I’ve been having period pains for many years. At first I thought my pain was natural and everyone experienced pain to the point they couldn’t move throughout the day. I would take pills whenever I could to relieve the pain and even then it would still hurt. My life has been revolving around my periods rather than the other way. Recently my periods have been so bad that I wake up in the middle of the night and no heat pad or medication can relieve it. I have a feeling I have endometriosis since many of the symptoms sound similar and I’ve been told I may be infertile in the past but I’m only 16, never had sex, and I haven’t been to the doctor. I’m nervous to go because i don’t want to tell my parents that I have such major pain since I’m embarresed and I can’t really go to the doctor myself. Also what if the doctor sends me to a gynecologist? I am worried about someone looking up me. Please help me. Do I have endometriosis or is it just normal period pain?
CONSIDER THIS:
Menstrual periods are different for every female. No female is exactly alike, and everyone is different. What might be a normal amount of menstrual discomfort for one person might be abnormal for someone else. Some girls never experience cramps or bloating while others experience debilitating discomfort and even pain. Some girls have periods that last for as long as 9 days while others only have 2 or 3 day long periods.
Even so, if you are in pain, you need to see a doctor. If your life is centered around pain and it is affecting your quality of life, you need to get checked out by a medical professional. If you are taking medication for pain, you need to get medical attention right away. Do not risk your health and well-being because of embarrassment. Please talk to a parent that you trust and let him or her know that you are in pain and need to see a doctor right away. This is nothing to be embarrassed about, and you can ask to keep the information confidential since it is a private personal issue for you. Once you have seen a doctor or a nurse, or even a gynecologist, you will feel much better since then the pain can be addressed and it will no longer be an unknown mystery.
Do not be afraid to be checked out by a doctor or gynecologist. The doctor will be looking at you from a strictly medical perspective and will not care what your private parts look like. Gynecologists and doctors have seen it all. They have seen every shape, size and type of vagina that a human female could have. Their only concern is your health and well-being, and not about getting a peek at your private parts. You will be comforted to know that nearly EVERY SINGLE FEMALE IN THE WORLD hates going to the gynecologist! It feels like an invasion of personal privacy and no one enjoys it. It does get easier to do each time you go, and doctors all recognize how uncomfortable it is and are there to help make it less embarrassing. Being healthy and making sure that everything is okay is more important than the embarrassment and awkwardness of the exam.
HELP YOURSELF:
- Absolutely do tell a parent that your periods are painful and you need medical attention, even for your own peace of mind. It is possible to request a female doctor or gynecologist to talk to about your pain. It is vital that you get medical advice and to make sure that there is not a more serious health issue involved. You will never know unless you get medical help. Remember that you have the right to request a female doctor or gynecologist. What can you do to see a doctor?
- If you are just not ready to talk to your parent yet, find out if there is a local Planned Parenthood near you. At Planned Parenthood, you may be able to see a gynecologist on your own and just talk to someone there to get help with your pain condition. Give them a call and explain your situation. They are there to help you and have helped millions of other girls and women with menstrual issues. You can also call a nurse advice hotline. How can you find the courage to talk about your pain?
- Take comfort in knowing that no one else enjoys getting looked at by the doctor or gynecologist, and you are not alone. It is totally normal to dread a gynecological exam. It is okay to let the doctor know that you are nervous. Many older women who have gone through the exam many times still dread and hate it. The doctor will completely understand. Remember that they have seen it all. Remember also that your body is very beautiful and is nothing to be ashamed of. Please take good care of it and make sure it is healthy! Health is more important than hiding behind embarrassment! Do not live in pain. How can you prepare yourself for the visit?
