Confused

[fb147]

Hi, I am new here, and I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light for me. I am in the process of being diagnosed with PCOS, they have identified follicles on my ovaries and I had a blood test yesterday. I am 24 years old and have struggled with pain during intercourse for 4-5 years, is this a normal symptom of PCOS? as it never mentions it on NHS website etc. I have the acne, the hairy face and all the other lovely bits that go along with it as well! I just wanted to double check that the pain is also a sign and not something different again.

Thanks

[Hols969]

No pain is more associated with endometriosis, there is a link between pcos and endo as well and it isnt uncommon to have both. I would go back to your GP and ask to be referred to an endocrinologist as they specialise in both pcos and endo so should be able to help. You would need a laparoscopy to diagnose endo as sadly it is not easy to see with a scan or anything, dont let them fob you off that pain is due to pcos as it is not. Look also at the NICE guidelines as it will tell you what to expect with PCOS and the NHS. Are you up to date on your smears (I dont remember what age they start doing them)? Pain during sex should not be ignored by your GP either so you really need to go back (take someone else with you for moral support and so they dont fob you off). NHS is so strapped for cash that I think they are prone to just fobbing some people off so you do need to be quite firm about it which is sometimes a bit awkward with your GP so maybe get your Ma to go with you if you can.

[EmmaJ1986 in reply to Hols969]

Smears start at 25, and are every three years if all looks well.

I also agree that pain would be a very unusual symptom.

Take care, and harass the GP! As an NHS bod myself, remember that the service is there to serve the public... so you're entitled.

[fb147 in reply to Hols969]

Thank you so much for this, i have been worried that i have endo for a couple of years but because they have done ultrasounds they say that I dont! I will definitely keep pushing. Thank you, it ends up feeling very lonely, when the doc tells me its all in my head and then my partner starts thinking it too, so it is nice to have someone tell me I'm not being silly.

[Hols969 in reply to fb147]

Endo cannot be spotted by an ultrasound so that wont show it, its naughty they have said you dont when actually they dont know!!

No it is not in your head either so you are as sane as the rest of us (however sane that is!!)

[Becca16 in reply to fb147]

That is really bad that they told you you don’t have endo because of an ultrasound, as Hols says you can only officially diagnosis it with a laparoscopy, unfortunately. Also look at the new NICE guidelines for diagnosing endometriosis to give you advice on what they should be doing for you.

I have endometriosis and PCOS and it does seem to be quite common to have both.

It is not in your head! All the best and I hope you get an answer ❤️