I think I have endometriosis but GP won't refer me to gynacologist ..what now?

[user1498051868]

I'm 31 and for nearly 3 years tried for a baby and nothing ..my realtionship ended 7 weeks ago due to stress/arguing about trying to conceive.
I have irregular periods,some last 10 days others last 2 days ..this months period didn't arrive.
I have heavy period and clots ..severe lower back ache,and sharp pains in hip and thigh.
I go for constipation to runny stools.
Doctor says that's normal and periods are like that and sent me for a colonoscopy to check for stomach problems.
He won't refer me to gyna..and because I'm not with partner won't refer me for fertility tests
I honestly am about to give up
I just want to see a gynacologist and find out what's wrong with me..I'm nearly 32 now.
What do I do?

I don't want the colonoscopy ..I read that won't show endo,I want to talk to a gynacologist

Go and see a different GP. Although personally I'd just pay to see a private gynae (usually about £150-200) to get the ball rolling.

Can you afford to see one privately ?

If not can you try andother GP ?

I can't really afford privately but if it means getting sorted I will.
I don't know where to start looking for private.
Tbh I feel like giving up and just saying maybe I'm not meant to have children.

I agree with seeing another GP.

I also had dreadful very painful periods and TTC for many years. Was told by all NHS fertility doctors that it was unexplained infertility. I finally went to see a private consultant at Create a fertility clinic and was diagnosed Polycystic ovaries and probably had endometriosis too. I took the consultants advice plus did supplements and diet changes to help with my periods and ovulation problems. Periods quickly got better and I conceived naturally for the first time ever in 7 years TTC. My only regret is that I didn't go private sooner. It's £200 _ £400 for a private consultation. I say go for it.

Find a female gp, ideally one who is roughly your age or who has an interest in women's health. Male gps sometimes just don't 'get' stuff to do with gynae issues. I've had friends told all sorts of rubbish by male gps who didn't have a great deal of knowledge or interest in this area, eg suggesting it's normal to be incontinent after childbirth at 32 and to accept it. Periods are NOT 'like that' and you'll probably get further with someone who has actually had one.

BTW my experience of GPS is that they are absolutely clueless about fertility and were no help whatsoever to me.

Thanks everyone..
I'm from Newcastle and we have a really good fertility centre here at centre for life ..unfortunately it's £500 but that includes tests..I rang them and they said they accept GP referrals but unfortunately I can't get one.
Next month I may just pay out of my wages.
I hate going to my doctors now ...
He tried offering me anti depressants ?????? And offered me CBT for stress
The mind boggles

Also my GP didn't even offer me day 3 or 21 bloods she took blood on day 16 and said it was fine

Is there no way of self referral? Are there any other fertility clinics you could try. I learned the hard way that with infertility you have to fight your corner and to move on when you're banging your head against a brick wall with a clinic there are other clinic s out there who will help you, you just need to try out and go with what feels right for you.

I've booked appointment tomorrow with female gp ..I'm going to ask again and if she says no ..ask why then ask to speak to practice manager if still no il ask for a list of gynaecologists to get in touch with privately.
I really don't want to give up ..

I would try to see another GP. I've had hideous periods since I can remember, and have so far had numerous blood tests, pelvic ultrasounds and next step is alaparoscopy. A new female doctor has said that we'll get to the bottom of it, and she is the first one who has ever really listened. I have been prescribed Mefenamic Acid for now, which helps with blood loss and pain, but doesn't help the rest of the month.

I really hope you get a GP to listen to you. Please don't give up

I agree try and push for gynae referral either NHS or private for the menstrual symptoms and pain but I don't think you can expect fertility investigations when you're not actively trying to conceive.

Up until 7 weeks ago I had tried for 3 years to conceive ...
Should I wait till I meet someone else and wait another 2 years when il be nearly 35 rather than find out what the problem is now.

I would try and get further investigation now . Hopefully GP tomorrow is more helpful.

Sorry for such a frustrating experience, please don't lose momentum and just accept this. I agree with pps advice to find another GP. If you do get a diagnosis, need treatments and may need e.g referrals and fertility help in the near future you need better ongoing GP support regardless of whether you pay for a private gynae consult in the meantime.

But do not decline a colonoscopy. It is not much fun but really important for you to at least eliminate any GI problems.

With regard to fertility investigations, the medical profession are always emphasising the age factor and within limits I thought they would prefer to identify gynae conditions linked to fertility issues now rather than later regardless of whether you currently have a partner. Obviously,actual treatment itself may require a partner

I am happy to be corrected on that point. ( I was referred for multiple investigations both GI and Gynae over the years due to unexplained infertility and period problems and do not recall whether my partner status was regarded as relevant alt initial diagnosis stage.)

Good luck, OP.

I just wish I knew what the problem was and get it fixed.
At least then I would feel like I was doing something working towards eventually having a family.

I felt exactly the same way :-( IMO there's nothing worse than not knowing or being told unexplained as logically there is a reason as once you find out you can start to take control of it, your body and your life. Keep going and stay strong x

user

I would not take no for an answer from this new GP you are seeing tomorrow. You will need to be persistent in order to get answers in any case.

Your periods are patently not normal and I would think that endometriosis is the root cause of your menstrual problems. Infact they seem very similar to how mine were and in my case it was due to endometriosis. The problem with endo is that not many GPs even now think about it as a possible cause for severe and or ongoing period pain and do not recognise it readily.

I would suggest you look at this website www.endometriosis-uk.org/ and keep a daily pain and symptom diary if you do not already do this. This will help give the gynae clues

The NHS will investigate the pain and periods but wouldn't offer fertility investigations like HSG unless you're actively trying. The private sector would offer more but at a price. I would concentrate on getting the potential endometriosis diagnosis at this stage, other investigations could be falsely worrying or reassuring. Do you know your ex-partner had a normal sperm count?

Fill this out and take it to another (female) GP. Push for a referral. I self diagnosed endo from symptoms (proved right at my lap and dye). I have a son born via ivf. Good luck! www.endometriosis-uk.org/sites/default/files/files/Information/consultation_questionnaire.pdf

My ex had 3 children so I'm assuming everything was ok with him.
At this moment in time all I want to do is see if I have endo and not worry about the fertility side.
I'm worried that if I have it its doing damage to my body

Well all that means is that he had an ok sperm count at that point.

Your plan sounds sensible and totally reasonable to get a referral.

My apt today is 11.30 I'm really nervous.
I just hope this female gp will refer me to a gynacologist ..I'm nearly 32 but look around 21/22 so I always feel like I get spoken too like a silly little girl ..fingers crossed