Please provide some do's and don'ts on living with endometriosis.

Ignore: The only way to know for sure if you have endometriosis is to have surgery.

Ignore: Do try a mirena (levonorgestrel). It's been studied for its effectiveness in treating endometriosis.

Ignore: Try to avoid multiple surgical procedures. Suppress early and often.

Ignore: Hysterectomy is a highly misunderstood option, often recommended as “a cure” – which it is not.

Ignore: Manage cycles well (e.g. OCPs, Depo-Provera, IUDs, etc.) to keep the endometrial shedding in check.

Ignore: Do consider surgery as an option for severe symptoms.

Do: Do take NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or naproxen.

Ignore: Use non steroidal analgesics like Ibuprofen. Try medical therapy and acupuncture and surgery last.

Ignore: Take your medications as prescribed and for pain at earring 2 days before your period will help.

Ignore: Realize this is a lifelong condition. Prepare mentally for possibility of hysterectomy.

Some: Some non-sedating antihistamines can worsen menstrual pain; try another type and see if pain's less.

Ignore: Do take seriously. Endometriosis is treatable and pregnancy is possible.

Ignore: Consider oral low dose contraceptives, which will decrease pain and preserve fertility.