In this series, Jo shares information for those with endometriosis, suspected endometriosis and those who are newly diagnosed.
If you are struggling with endometriosis symptoms, it’s important that you see your General Practitioner (GP) for further assessment. GPs are medically trained to deal with hundreds of medical conditions and although some may have an interest in gynaecology, they are not specialists.
Initially, your GP may investigate other conditions, this is because some of the symptoms of endometriosis can also be common symptoms of other health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections and pelvic infections. When other health conditions have been ruled out, or if your symptoms haven’t improved, revisit your GP, keep them informed of your health and symptoms. Do not suffer in silence!
Provide your GP with as much information about your symptoms as possible, this will hopefully speed up the diagnosis process. Tracking your periods and symptoms can help identify patterns, although not everyone's symptoms match their menstrual cycle this can be a useful tool for doctors and nurses to help identify a gynaecological condition. If you are not having periods or are on contraception, it’s still useful to track symptoms to demonstrate the impact they are having on your day to day life and wellbeing. A pain and symptoms diary can be an easy way to do this.
Communication is key, tell your GP that you think your symptoms could be endometriosis and that you want further investigations and treatment to help control symptoms. If you still feel that you are not being listened to, then request another opinion, there may be more than one GP within your practice. If your GP does not feel able to treat you, they should refer you to a specialist. Ask for a referral to gynaecology. If you continue to be dissatisfied with you care, then you are within your right to raise a complaint or change your GP/ GP practice. This isn’t something you should just have to ‘put up with’.
For more information on making the most of your GP/ Nurses appointments, you can catch up on our recent webinar on the topic here.
