How to make gynaecologist take me seriously at appointment - and any ideas what this sounds like? I'm worried

[19283746]

Hi all,
Posting here to get some advice on a bit of a tmi problem I've had for over a year now.
A year ago sex started to become painful. Over the past year I've seen 7 different doctors and have been diagnosed with mild thrush (from swabs that were taken, but had no symptoms) and vaginismus.
Finally at the last doctors visit she admitted that they 'didn't really know what was wrong' and I've got a referral for the local hospital which includes an ultrasound. I feel I've been massively fobbed off over the last year and don't want it to happen again during the referral.
My symptoms have increased a lot since the initial problem of sex just being painful. I have mild period like cramps all the time, sharp stabbing pains, feel nauseous/faint, it hurts to sit/walk, is uncomfortable to pee and my cervix almost feels like its dropped down (if that makes any sense) as well as the vaginismus. I have panic attacks if I try to have sex. I'm petrified it's something bad which really isn't helping.

Sorry if that sounds whiney, I'm so frustrated, I'm only 20 and it's really bringing me down.

No you are not being whiney at all (perish the thought!) and you should not have to put up with this problem.

Painful sex is often very indicative of endometriosis; that is one possibility here that likely has never been considered by any of the doctors. BTW are your periods very painful too?.

I would keep a daily pain and symptom diary to show to the gynae; the GP should refer you to a gynae as a matter of course. You need a gynae referral and do not take no for an answer.

I can sort of see why they are going to do an ultrasound but if endometriosis is present, the ultrasound will not detect it. Do not continue to be fobbed off but demand proper answers. You will need to be persistent in order to get answers.

19283746, I just started a similar thread last night.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1931586-Achey-Vagina-driving-me-mad

Thanks Attila, Funnily enough I have thought I've had it in the past because I do get painful periods (fainting, vomiting etc) but don't know if I just have a low pain tolerance or if it's more painful than normal if that makes sense. If I did have I think it would only be mildly.

It was pushed to the back of my mind because I've been on the pill for a couple of years but I'll definitely mention it next week I think and will push to have it investigated if they don't find anything else.

It's interesting you're getting something similar Achey, If they find anything I'll try to update.

Endometriosis that is classed as mild can actually cause great pain to arise. Painful periods are in themselves a possible indicator of endometriosis being present (and it is the second most common gynae problem seen in women after fibroids).

I would ask about endometriosis as it cannot currently be ruled out here as a possible cause.

I am seeing my gynae on 12th, can't get in any sooner, he is very popular and my work hours don't fit!
In the meantime I am trying to control the pain with Ibuprofen.

I came across Pudendal Neuralgia last night and I think that is what I have, the symptoms fit exactly. Sorry links don't work on Kindle. It's a trapped nerve, quite rare so often mis-diagnosed.