what happens at an examination?

[lucy1625]

I hope this is an okay place to ask this! ever since I got my period (I was about 8) they’ve been heavy, really painful and really irregular but I thought that would change after a few years like they say but I’m now almost 17 and it just seems like it’s gotten worse! My older sister struggles with endometriosis and pcos and when I hear her talk about them it makes me wonder. I would never self diagnose but the more I struggle the more I get curious about if it’s normal or not! I also have a lot of bowel problems and they get worse when I’m on my period. Anyway that’s not the question! My question is, if I go to my doctor or to a gynaecologist, what’s likely to happen? would it just be a verbal chat or would they want to do any physical examination. I would most likely go alone or with a friend vs my mum bcos I’ve spoken to her about this multiple times and she just brushes it off bcos “it’s not as bad” as my sister! but as I think most young girls might be, I’m nervous about the idea of a physical examination but if it’s something that had to be done I’d do it. If anyone could maybe shed a bit of light I’d be so appreciative of it!!

again, sorry if this is the complete wrong place to ask but google gives mixed results and I have nobody to ask!

oh also quick question if anyone sees this, if I was to go on birth control bcos it turned out I was just naturally heavy and irregular what would be best besides the pill (can’t take that for medical reasons) this might not be the place to ask but I truly am lost

[SimplyDeeDee]

Hi Lucy

Firstly please don’t apologise for posting and secondly thank you for having the courage to post.

If you are certain what you are experiencing is not right keep a diary log of your symptoms and don’t hold back on the details. Make an appointment with your GP and ask to be referred to a gynaecologist. It’s alway best (I find) to approach them with detailed reports of your symptoms to avoid being fobbed of. You can also stress your concerns about your sister having gynaecological issue as well, which will strengthen your case. There are some people who have found mothers, sisters and daughter etc with similar conditions.

I can’t comment on contraceptive treatment I’m afraid, that’s something you’ll need to discuss with your GP while including your medical history.

Please don’t be afraid to see a gynaecologist, I know it’s daunting at first but they do have your best interest at heart.

They will most probably start with a conversation; you can also present your log of symptoms here and then a feel of your pelvic area. They’ll then most probably order a ultrasound scan (like they have for pregnant women) to see if there are any abnormalities. Should they find anything they may ask to do an internal ultrasound which enables a closer look. Following this would be and MRI or CT scans which are X-rays of the pelvic and abdominal area.

Over time, going though these processes gets easier. Remember only you know your body you live with it everyday and if you feel something is not right speak up; also hold your ground. One things for certain you do not want what your sister has or as bad as she has it. Early interventions can prevent further complications.

Keep me posted on how you get on.

[lucy1625 in reply to SimplyDeeDee]

Ive been keeping a log for about 5 years now bcos I’ve always worried so that will definitely be handy!! I’ll keep in mind about my sister too! I will get a gyne or doctors appointment soon!! And I know it’s only natural to be nervous about exams that get up close and personal haha!! and yeah I definitely don’t want what my sister has and that does scare me a little because she has not only the physical side of things but the inability to conceive (she was lucky enough to conceive my niece but has had more problems as of late) and having that taken away scares me a tonne!! Ik at the end of the day that I’ll do whatever to check that I’m okay!!

Thank you for replying I truly appreciate the help and advice!!

[Moon_maiden]

HiSorry you haven’t had the support from your mum that you’d expected. I don’t think it’s because she doesn’t care, she doesn’t know what to say, as people we’re really poor at communicating. Once you’ve got info together maybe try sitting down with her again and talking about it. Have you asked your sister?

The first consultant I saw asked if anyone in the family had it, my aunt and I suspect mum but she was never diagnosed.

Pain will vary from person to person, it’s impossible to compare.

The endo UK site has a lot of info, talking to GP, Gynaecologist and family, plus a symptom diary.

An examination isn’t too bad, if it’s a male gynae, you’ll have a female nurse there as well. I preferred a male gynae as they seem more sympathetic, but that’s my personal experience 🙂 if you think it might be painful, take some paracetamol or ibuprofen beforehand. It’ll depend on how bad things are with you. It is a necessary part of the process, but they remain professional.

There are specialist gynae for teenagers, some research of your area and asking GP for this should be helpful.

Searching the forum is also helpful 🙂 There is nothing your going through that others haven’t and the others here are really helpful.

[lucy1625 in reply to Moon_maiden]

I think I will ask my sister and i do keep a log bcos I have a few apps for tracking my periods anyway! I will try and have a look for any teen gynes and I would probably request a female doc bcos I’m androphobic (haha sounds silly I know). That’s what I keep telling myself!! So many people are going through the same thing or worse and I know that when it comes to a physical that it’s normal to be nervous! I’d do a physical if it meant that’s what’s needed to help find out if somethings wrong it’s just nerve wracking haha! I’ll have a look on the Endo UK site and once I’ve moved doctors I think I might try and book up an appointment!! Thank you for replying I really appreciate it and every response is so helpful!!

[Moon_maiden in reply to lucy1625]

Nothing is silly when it comes to this 🙂, as long as the consultant is nice, experienced and helpful that’s the main thing. I put these in order of what I wanted 😂A physical is important, they can tell a lot about your condition. Maybe your sister would go with you. I was nervous, I think most are even just going to GP these days. 🙂

It’s so important to get the right advice and that you’re doing this now is great, I wish I had done things differently.

[lucy1625 in reply to Moon_maiden]

thats exactly it, nerves are normal and I know that at the end of it, if it’s what’s needed that’s it’s best done!