General/specialist difference?

[Emma5397]

Iv recently found out my gynaecologist isn't a endo specialist, she's a general gynaecologist...is there much difference?

Thanks

Emma

[AllWeNeedIsluv]

An endo specialist is a bsge accredited which means that he/ she has to go through 3 years of training to become part of bsge. They train for three years all around endo what it looks like where it hides how to remove treat etc a general will more than likely miss endo as its very good at hiding has different colors etc and a specialist will be able to recognise what a general may not. 💗🤗😘

[emmab178]

Bgse accredited centres are usually for severe endo cases. They will do surgeries with multidisciplinary teams if required if the endo effects the bowel, urinary and I think complicated areas like POD and the ligaments. Unfortunately you don’t know that you have that until you have a lap with a general gynae who might completely miss the diagnosis on how severe the endo is.

[hellybaybee]

When I had a referral, they sent me to a general gynaecologist. I was referred to the bsge centre that I had asked for but the doctor showed me all the options when I questioned this and he said it was the most appropriate one and he was right, it was. I think it depends on the centre. Though I used my work insurance in the end, I spoke to the gynaecologist and he was going to give me a laparoscopy to search for endo but really the options I was offered was to have it removed and go through fertility treatment or have a coil fitted. I didn't much care for these options to be honest - I developed a thyroid problem after using the pill to deal with periods so don't much care for hormonal treatments (at the very least because I have hormone issues anyway) and I don't like being pushed into deciding whether or not I want children there and then but in short, I think it depends on the centre more than anything.

[Hidden]

Good question Emma5397

I need to ask my Gynaecologist if he is BSGE accredited. Another question for my list for the 12th October second visit. Thanks for that one Xx

[NW248 in reply to Hidden]

Or just look on the list at bsge.org/centre

[Emma5397 in reply to NW248]

Yeah Iv looked, that how I found out she isn't a specialist. Wanted to know if there was much difference.

[NW248 in reply to Emma5397]

I saw several general gynaes, including one whilst having a lap for a burst cyst. None of them diagnosed endometriosis, or even suggested it, despite having all the symptoms to the point where it was ruining every aspect of my life. One of them told me I just had normal period problems and I should learn to live with it.

I diagnosed myself and paid to see someone on the BSGE list to avoid any further wait. My endo was severe and if had been left any longer I would have probably had a colostomy.

In terms of being diagnosed and the difference in surgery, the general gynaes often don't look into the places where the endo often hides as they find them too hard to get at. They also often laser the endo off, rather than cutting it, and laser treatment usually leaves bits behind.

[SEB88]

Hi, yes there is a huge difference. My 1st op was a gen gynea she didnt recognise my advanced stage 4 adhesions and only believed i had endo when they cyst lab results came back. I am now 4 days til my 2nd lap at a bsge centre which aims to improve pain and increase and facilitate ivf chances.

The other ladies are all spot on with the differences.