Getting a diagnosis

[squash21]

Hi,

I have recently joined as my GP thinks I have endometriosis

She has referred me to get what I believe is a hysteroscopy and a blood test. I have read online that endometriosis can only really be diagnosed through surgery.

I am a bit worried about this procedure being a young woman I've never even had a cervical screening before, and I am just wondering if this procedure can actually result in a diagnosis. It would really help me with credibility at work when I need time off if I could get an actual diagnosis.

It's also looking likely that I am going to have to go back on the pill, as this has helped with my symptoms for the last 10 years. Since coming off the pill my mental wellbeing has significantly improved and I really don't want to go back on it, but for the sake of stopping the crippling pain every month I'm probably going to have to.

Any support or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Cailleach]

It can be diagnosed through specialist scans ( ultrasound or MRI done by someone specially trained) but usual diagnosis is by symptoms and then laparoscopy. An standard ultrasound may also show indications but clear scan doesn’t mean you don’t have endo. I don’t know about a hysteroscopy, never had one. The blood test will check your general health including possible anaemia, I would guess, as well as the marker Ca125 which can indicate ovarian cancer but also be raised in endo.

Probably best though to go back to your GP and ask for an explanation as I'm only guessing, Also ask if you have been referred to gynaecology.

If you are not keen on the pill, have you asked about pain relief- maybe your GP could prescribe something stronger?

You could tell your work that your GP suspects endo and you are having investigations done, it can help if they understand that there is a treatment plan.

[squash21 in reply to Cailleach]

Thank you for this. Obviously just have so many thoughts right now and needed some clarity.