I have had period/bowel trouble for the past 8 years and have continuously been told it was due to IBS, treated for IBS and ignored. I was put on the pill 5 years ago at the age of 14 because my periods lasted 2 weeks, made me vomit for at least half of this time and caused me to miss so much school - this seemed to help up until around 12 months ago. My periods would vary from 2-9 days, sometimes heavy, sometimes hardly there, sex become impossible due to the pain it caused and I was in agony 50% of the time. This had a knock on effect with everything - my job, relationships, social life and general wellbeing.
So, in March I made another appointment at the doctors and argued with a stand in GP about how all of the IBS medication had never made a difference - until she gave in and said 'I'll refer you to gynecology if its really what you want'. The consultant I saw was lovely, understanding and kind - he asked me a million questions and done a (very painful) internal examination and then instantly said that I had endo.
He has prescribed me Cerezatte and Provera together for the next 4 months to see if the symptoms lessen. He stated that he has no doubt with my diagnosis and based on this did not want to do a laparoscopy due to it's risks & complications - at least not yet and he will consider depending on any changes to my symptoms. He has also referred me for abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds but I am still waiting for these appointments.
Sorry that this is very long winded but I just wonder whether this is common? I don't know whether I should be happy that I have a diagnosis and a trial with some treatment or be worried that he did not want to do a laparoscopy? I would be grateful for your opinions please!
Written by
HevsLM
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
An experienced gynaecologist may be able to say he "thinks" you have endometriosis but the only way to be sure, is by a laparoscopy.
During a diagnostic laparoscopy, everything is looked at and checked. If endometriosis is found, the surgeon 'Maps' out where the Endo is situated.
A laparoscopy is a common procedure with only a small chance of complications. Unfortunately, like all surgery, laparoscopy with produce adhesions or scar tissue. These in time can cause problems of their own.
In your position, I would try the treatment that has been recommended but also push for a diagnostic laparoscopy in the near future.
Also keep a diary of pain, bleeding and other symptoms. You can refer back to this when you see the consultant again.
I'm going through a very similar situation at the moment. I went to a&e back in early April with awful pelvic and upper thigh pain and was referred to the emergency gynaecologist that day. He was very understanding and reassuring too and after doing an internal exam and hearing my symptoms, he was very sure I have endometriosis. He also referred me for an ultrasound too, which I have in 2 weeks time. But ultrasounds will not show up endometriosis, so be wary of this when you go for your scan. My gyny wanted me to have a scan to rule out cysts. I've already been on cerazette 2 and a half years so depending on scan results, the gyny said I'd be a good candidate for a laparoscopy. If I were you I would still push for a laparoscopy. That's the only way to 100% diagnose it unfortunately.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Endo diagnosis without heavy periods? 
How long did it take for your laparoscopy/diagnosis of endometriosis?
Post-laparoscopy: Waiting for a diagnosis.
Laparoscopy and Diagnosis - any advice appreciated
Endometriosis diagnosis (without being told) 
