Not getting anywhere. Should I just do as they say?

[xcloxcx]

Can they make me take the pill? Backstory: I have been going back and forth for (9) years about my problems.

Symptoms are:

I get pains in my right ovary regularly (regardless of where I am in my cycle).

I get horrible sharp stabbing pains in my ovary out of the blue when I stretch/bend down.

I get period pain regularly.

I bleed a LOT (super plus tampon needs changing every 45 mins max on heaviest days).

I spot between periods.

When on my period I get excruciating, takes your breath away pain when passing stools.

I have had numerous scans, which showed I do have polycystic ovaries and an enlarged ovary. I have no idea what an enlarged ovary means, no one has explained it to me. I’ve had a hysteroscopy (camera in the womb) and endometrial biopsies, as well as swabs for infections, all came back normal.

After being told it was all in my head, that my symptoms are normal for some women, that I don’t have endometriosis as the camera in the womb wound have seen it, that maybe I’m experiencing bowel issues and confused where the pain is coming from… I finally got to talk to a GP who thought I might have endo and referred me. Except it’s been 18 months, I’ve had 1 appointment where they said I have to go on the contraceptive pill. I do not want to do this. I’ve been on it before and experienced horrendous side effects. They said because I won’t try the contraceptive pill they can’t do any further investigations to see if I have endometriosis and will “check back in a few months to see if you’ve thought about it and decided to follow advice by then”.

Do I really have to go on the pill?

[EndoSuckss]

Ultimately, no one can make you take the pill if you don't want to!

Was this the GP or a specialist who said this? What treatment are you having for the PCOS?

If it was a specialist, I'd ask for a second opinion - but maybe go armed with options you've researched and might be willing to try. I couldn't/wouldn't ever take the pill again - but know from looking there are other things that can be tried (which I have now used for 2.5 years).

Good luck xx

[FMCN]

Hey xcloxcx

So sorry you’ve been pushed around, it’s extremely unfair for them to give treatment ultimatums and actually goes against NICE guidelines.

I’m still very much at the beginning of getting treatment, but I have been reading through the treatment pathways on NICE - it clearly states that hormonal treatment is purely the patient’s choice and if you do not wish to take it, there is pain management and surgical pathways to treat.

I agree with EndoSuckss - it’s also your right to seek a second opinion, see a specialist and go armed with NICE guidelines

Good luck with the next steps 💪🏼