Gyne Referral Made

[TheBeachBabe]

Hi, after years of painful periods, painful sex, I decided to go to my GP to ask for a referral for a possible endometriosis diagnosis. My GP did a pelvic exam today and I have been sore ever since on the left side (feels like it's the left ovary). My fertility consultant during a stimulation cycle I did 6 months ago told me he thinks I may have endometriosis in my ovaries due to pain on each examination I underwent.

So here's my question - with endometriosis, is it normal to have ongoing pain after pelvic exams? Also, how long does it take for the gynae referral to take on the NHS? Will a gynaecologist likely do a diagnostic surgery on me with my symptoms, or try and fob me off with some other treatment plan, such as hormonal contraception?

I don't want to go years with uncertain pain management, especially when it comes to painful sex. I did used to have a mirena coil which helped to minimise my bleeding patterns, but I still had painful sex. Right now, I would rather remain hormone free, as I am hoping to start my family in the next year or two. Any thoughts with regards to what is most likely to happen and on what timescale in the UK's NHS system? Thanks.

[Leahgal]

Hello! I also had pain after an internal pelvic exam but it only lasted a few days. I do get ongoing pelvic pain which I never got before September last year and every examination is painful. I had IVF 10 years ago so very used to examinations and never had pain once back then.

I also saw my GP, they organised the pelvic and internal ultrasound and based on that, I was referred to an endo specialist. I was advised on here to see an endo specialist not a generic gynae consultant so worth noting that.

The NHS wait will vary, I am in Hampshire and it was going to be 7 months to see the consultant. However, if you book an appt and then call weekly for a cancellation, I managed to get the wait down to 4 months. I saw the consultant and he did not fob me off, he gave me clear options and combinations and let me choose. I used this site to collate possible options, pros and cons so I went to the appt armed and ready and thankfully he gave me the same options! I can't speak for all consultants though and not sure if I am lucky. It is worth checking whether they are an endo specialist. The wait for laparoscopic excision of my endo is likely to now be 10 months on the NHS, so be prepared for waits, but at least I now have a management plan.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[TheBeachBabe in reply to Leahgal]

Thanks, this is helpful. Sorry you went through all that but glad the wait time was cut short for you.