bleeding/pain during sex

[miggy]

my friend told me today that she has had this problem for some time. A cervical smear was normal. Her worry is that a locum consultant at the local hospital has booked her in for surgery and told her that it will be a GA and 2 holes in her abdomen (I presume they will use an endoscope) so they can "have a look". She is really worried about having this done and I have suggested she goes to her GP and asks if it is the best thing to do. She has not had an examination of her uterus or an ultrasound, IMHO both of those would be less invasive and ought to be done first. Endometriosis rings a bell as causing this, she also has heavy periods. I have tried to give advice but have no real experience here- anyone have and could help?

I had an ovary and falp out a couple of years ago,after the op i had to have lapoestimy(sos spelling not strong point)which sounds like whwt ur friend is having...I too have a painful sex life but also a very loving husband.Periods are un bearable to say the least and hoped abigail my daughter mite put an end to it,sadly the only thing that helps is pill block taking or hormone injections and hrt,which with plans for more children isnt an option.pls tell your friend not to worry,sometimes you go from doctor to doctor with no answers this is prob the quickest way forward and hopefully once and for all she wont have to look back,
has ur friend got any children?

message withdrawn

thanks for help. I did google too and endometriosis seems likely and can only be diagnosed by laparoscopy. I just thought they should rule out simple things ( like the things you suggested) first. She is going to see her GP anyway. She has 2 children, the youngest is 17.

Miggy, I had the same symptoms as your friend, as well as heavy, painful periods. I had a laposcopy, which confirmed I had endometriosis and I later had another laparoscopy to remove it but before I got to that stage I had lots of examinations, swabs and an ultrasound as well as a colposcopy (can't remember the official terminology but it involved lasering away some cells on my uterus I think). If she does have a laparoscopy, it's not too serious, I was kept in overnight but only because I react badly to anaesthetic. It was quite painful for the first few days but this was easily controlled by painkillers and after a few weeks I was back to normal.
If it is endometriosis an op to remove it isn't necessarily the only option- I tried different medication, which unfortunately didn't agree with me and kept it under control before the op 9and for a while after, before stopping and becoming pg) by taking the pill without any breaks, as recommended by the consultant

Sorry if this has gone on a bit but IMO she should see her GP about other options first- it's still invasive surgery involving the risks of a GA. However, I had to wait 8 months and had my second op cancelled so if she's on a waiting list NOW then if all other avenues fail she doesn't have to join the bottom of a waiting list for further treatment.