Questions to ask a gynaecologist...

[sb95-omo]

Hi... I was wondering if you could give me any questions I could ask my next gynaecologist appointment. It's with the consultant of the clinic but is a general clinic for lots of different things. Does anyone have any questions which could I could ask at this appointment which would point me in any direction preferably towards Endo as both me and my GP want it ruling out before we look into other gynaecology issues. At a previous appointment the ST2 (who was not even fully qualified) suggested I had Poly-cystic ovaries which neither my GP nor I believe I have due to having no symptoms for.

My main symptoms are:

Heavy, strong, stabbing, pulling twisting pain about 2 weeks before and just before my period.

Heavy bleeding and clots when on period.

Varying degrees of discharge ranging from nothing (1-2 days a month) to needing to wear a sanitary towel due to there being lots of it.

Constipation and blood in faeces when just about to start my period.

Headaches and nausea.

Any questions that you would suggest asking a gynaecologist would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

[Emilina29]

I know for me personally, I had to bring someone along with me to be listened to. My mum has pcos, endo and chocolate cysts and although we repeated everything i'd already told the gynae, she suddenly started listening when my mum was there. Id been going to the gynae for a year and requested a laparoscopy and they refused. My mum turned up and they gave it to me in 10 mins.

Questions wise, i'd repeat your symptoms and say how they affect you and your mood and your job and your life etc. Seeing the effect on your life may encourage them to look more into it.

Say that you have done your own research, and it sounds like endo to you. if they deny this ask why they think that. They may have other possible conditions in their head which they havent communicated with you.

Bring up your medical history and family history: does anyone in your family suffer with gynae/ fertility problems?

Id take someone with you if you can. These appointments are mentally draining and you may not be able to remember everything the doctor is telling you. Also if there are 2 of you, they are more likely to take you seriously.

If you do decide to take someone, update them on everything you know and feel so they can back you up too. Its amazing how much it helps having someone there supporting you can help your confidence in the day

Good luck xxx

[SatansLeftHoof]

I think keeping a symptom diary to illustrate to the gynae a time scale, frequency, severity and overview of what your symptoms are and when they are occurring is a good idea. Discuss your symptoms with the gynae, do not mention the g-word, (Google) if they ask how you know the symptoms of endometriosis say you have a friend who suffers with it or something. you haven't mentioned whether you are on or have been on any hormone based contraceptives? (any varieties of The Pill, Mirena coil, the implant or injection etc) If you are or have tell the gynae as hormone based contraceptives are used in endometrial symptom management. Also say if they made the pain better, worse or made no difference and which ones did what. STD tests will probably recommended to rule out things like chlamydia (chlamydia causes bleeding so half the time they think it's more likely than endo... I legitimately went to the chemists with an allergy and the pharmacist asked if I'd had a chlamydia screening) Another thing is IBS, don't let them fob you off with saying of it's just IBS. They'll probably want to have a look inside to check for abnormalities and feel for things like a bulky uterus caused by fibroids too. If endometriosis is discussed as a possible option laprascopic diagnosis is, in my opinion, a must. They may also be able to remove any endometriosis at the same time. Removal of endo is far, far better than just managing the symptoms using hormonal means. it may also be worth finding out whether any family members had gynaecological illnesses such as fibroids, PCOS and endometriosis too. Most gynaecologists are lovely but really do not be shy if you want to take someone with you. If you have a friend or relative whose a nurse bring them with you! The doctors, in my experience, tend to take you more seriously then. If I think of anything more I'll message, but hope this was helpful!