Has any of your doctors suggested a laparoscopy to you? Your description sounds very siilar to what I used to go through. It started for me with my first period and got progressively worse and worse to the point you describe. At 23 I had my first laparoscopy. I had a terrible GYN, who said there was nothing wrong (after the scope)...I suffered for 5 more years. At 27 I had another scope...different doctor. She found severe endometriosis. When endo is found during a scope, the doctor is able to do procedures to remove endo lesions. I had this done three times. With much relief for up to a year between them. At 32 I had a hysterectomy...the most extreme treatment for endo. It has been 7 years and I have only had a few very minor problems. Minor pms type symptoms occasionally and an occasional cyst. My doctor left one ovary...the one that had less endo growing on it and fewer cysts (another problem I had).

As for an ablation...there are some important things to consider...things it sounds like your docs have not told you...

From WebMD...
How Well It Works

Most women will have reduced menstrual flow following endometrial ablation, and up to half will stop having periods.1

Younger women are less likely than older women to respond to endometrial ablation. After an endometrial ablation, younger women are more likely to continue to have periods and need a repeat procedure.

Young women may be treated with either gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-As) 1 to 3 months before the procedure. This will decrease their production of estrogen and help thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Risks

Problems that can happen during endometrial ablation include:

• Accidental puncture (perforation) of the uterus.
• Burns (thermal injury) to the uterus or the surface of the bowel.
• Buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
• Sudden blockage of arterial blood flow within the lung (pulmonary embolism).
• Tearing of the opening of the uterus (cervical laceration).

These problems are uncommon but can be severe.


Have you tried any hormone treatments (like Kim suggested)? Most birth control pills lessen the flow a great deal...and some stop it completely (depo-provera). Something that lessens the release of progesterone would prevent build up of the endometrium. Something that lessens estrogen would prevent ovulation which in turn would lessen progesterone production.


While it is true that right now (and for past years) you do not want children...that really could change. It did for my Aunt, she NEVER wanted children...and was very vocal about it...from an early age (teens) from what I am told. At 28 she married for the second time. My uncle already had 4 kids...my aunt had 2 of her own (happily) by the time she was 33. And now she says she doesn't know why she didnt want kids before. And my attitude changed also...less happily. I didn't want kids either. Then I had a hysterectomy. 3 months later I was suicidal...the surgery wasn't the only cause...but it was a huge factor, and what got me to start therapy. Your other health concerns may prevent you from changing your mind...and you may just plain not change your mind...but most doctors aren't willing to take that risk.