First gynaecology appointment - help needed.

[Orangecanalwalk]

Hi guys, I have my first gynaecologist appointment in 2 weeks. What kind of things should I expect? What should I ask them?

I’ve been suffering with pain for a long time, pain during & after sex, bleeding after too. It’s worse around my time of ovulation. I have the hormonal coil in at the moment so I don’t get periods however I do seem to be having abnormal bleeding (for me anyway) excessive bloated stomach, I look pregnant some days.

Help a girl out I’m so lost with everything online 😢

[Hunter-23]

Hi Orangecanwalk.

Is it a general gynae or a endometriosis specialist? Do you think you do have Endometriosis or just seeking clarity from the gynae?

Take a pain diary if you have one. When you get the pain in your cycle, score it out of 10, what you've eaten etc.

Also mention how it makes you feel, if it is impacting you in any way.

Maybe have an idea of what treatment route you want to go down. Ie whether you want to try hormonal treatment first or whether you want a diagnostic laparoscopy (should be performed by an endometriosis specialist).

Also, stand your ground. Endometriosis takes an average of around 8 years to diagnose. I got diagnosed and surgically treated within 20 months because I kept pushing them and advocating for myself.

[Orangecanalwalk in reply to Hunter-23]

Hi, Thank you so much for replying.

As far as I’m aware it’s just a general gynaecologist.

I know I have a cyst of my left ovary but the pain and symptoms do not match the size of it so the GP said it could be endo.

Thank you that's great, I shall start of one these ASAP.

Thank you so much for your reply, I’m so glad you got some clarity in the end for yourself x

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi when I had my first ever gynaecology appointment they gave me a transvaginal scan, which showed a cyst on my ovary. Once I got dressed I then saw the consultant, she said she would carry out a laparoscopy as she thought I had endometriosis, I was then placed on the surgical waiting list. Previously diagnosed with adenomyosis via MRI scan. I would list all of your symptoms, how long they last for (bleeding etc …), what medication you have tried, they asked me if I was trying to preserve fertility too as that depends on what treatment they give you.

Hope you appointment goes well x

[SraB]

Did you have pain before the coil? The coil can be problematic and in my experience the doctor never acknowledged side effects. I have gastrointestinal problems because of progestin (same hormone as in the coil).