Endometriosis - lacking advice

[Marchflower]

I was diagnosed with endometriosis earlier this year out of the blue. I’d had worsening PCOS symptoms (belly fat, bad skin) and more painful periods and changes in my cycle and suspected I might be going through peri (am late 30s).

An ultrasound showed a 4cm endometrioma. I then had an MRI which showed adhesions consistent with endometriosis. The gynae has suggested not doing surgery at this point and taking a ‘wait and see’ approach but he was quite dismissive and I felt rushed. There was no info on managing symptoms. My periods are painful for a day but manageable. But I get a lot of UTIs and irritation after sex which would be explained by the endo.

Has anyone managed endo without surgery? Is there any medication that can help? Does anyone have a good gynaecologist they’d be willing to recommend? I have insurance. My DMs are open if so

After decades of gynae issues (I am 51!), I was diagnosed with endometriosis (and adenomyosis) via a mri last December.

Despite the MRI results showing deep endometriosis and diffuse adenomyosis I feel the NHS endo specialist I saw a few months ago was just dreadful. Totally lacking any empathy or understanding of what I have bee going through. He too suggested a wait and see situation and was uninterested in performing a laparoscopy and excision (I am sure he is hoping I will soon go into menopause and go away).

I was so unhappy with the consultation so went to see a private endo specialist who also works at my local NHS hospital. He was so informative and understanding, he has suggested that I first try the mini pill then maybe some Zoledex injections if the former doesn't help. He was more than happy to offer a laparoscopy and excision but at £7k I can not afford this as I don't have health insurance.

I have since contacted my NHS gynae and am now on a waiting list for a lap but it will be at least a year.

I am in Essex and can thoroughly recommend the private endo gynae if you are anywhere near this area (think he also covers Suffolk).

It boils my blood that endometriosis is not taken seriously enough.