Birth control has been the main thing for me while I wait for surgery, unfortunately with possibly endo it can be very frustrating to manage, but birthcontrol can help with symptoms as well as slowing the growth, I've found codeine helpful as a pain medication, heat is also a big help, hot water bottles or Wheaties are great but be careful not to use them too often as you could end up with toasted skin syndrome. With endo it's all about pain management rather than prevention. Best of luck to you!

Did you previously experience non-painful intercourse? Has anything changed since then?

I was dealing with the same and it was ovarian cysts so definitely do not get the IUD if you are still having bad pain with period and inter course

I used to have heavy & painful periods, but since switching to the depo shot- I don't even get a period anymore. I know some people aren't comfortable with that though, it def took some getting used to for me, but I can't even imagine having a full week long period like I used to now! I hope your GYN can put you on something that helps you in all the ways it should. As far as the pain with intercourse, I had nerve damage to my urethra which caused sex to be painful for a while & now even though that's being treated & I don't deal with any of the symptoms of the nerve damage on a daily basis- I still have to work with my partner to find a comfortable position. My best guess is something called "vaginismus" which is basically when your body automatically becomes afraid, your muscles tense up because it thinks the penetration is going to be painful. It's been frustrating to deal with, but as long as you have a partner that understands what you're feeling & is willing to be patient with you- you'll be ok. I do hope you're able to figure it out though & that it doesn't cost you an arm & a leg!

I have vaginismus! Not all thing work well for everyone but this is what worked for me. (1) I got OFF birth control. For me it made it worse. (2) (I also have PMDD and I started taking Flo vitamins but I realized it also helped with vaginismus. (3) Drinking enough water always helps and health diet best for you. (Drinking 1/2 your body weight in oz) I found with those things I started stretched better and had less pain. I was supposed to see a specialist about all this. Even with a referral from doc the place never called me like I was told they would. But I think I have something figured out that I don’t need it right now but if you ever could see one I’m sure they can help you more on that too.

I found progestin only pills helped more for me personally, the pill doesnt help treat the disease itself but can mask symptoms quite well for some people