"Ask Dr. Cook" is a series of questions and answers regarding endometriosis. The current subject and answer can be found on Current Ask Dr. Cook web page. The questions may represent a summary of questions I have been asked by several different patients. I hope you find this information helpful. If you have a question you would like answered, please Submit A Question.

Endometriosis after Pregnancy

Question:
Is it true if you have had a child you can not have endometriosis? My doctor blows me off when I suggest endo as the reason for my chronic pelvic pain, she said you can't have it if you have had a child.

Answer:
No, this is not true. Some, but not all women, will have a decrease in symptoms following pregnancy. Unfortunately, even for women who do have a decrease in symptoms after pregnancy it is temporary. The notion that pregnancy cures endometriosis is an old wives tale. If a physician believes this then they are obviously not well informed about endometriosis and you may want to seek out another physician who is better informed.

If a woman does experience relief with pregnancy, breast feeding usually helps prolong the return of the symptoms. A woman usually does not have return of periods if breast feeding is the only source of food for the infant. The lack of periods usually helps to minimize the symptoms of endometriosis. Chronic pelvic pain whether before or after child birth warrants, evaluation and treatment.

Updatede October 29, 2005