"Dismissive experience "

I wish to provide feedback about an appointment I had with a male doctor last week. I left the appointment feeling unheard and insulted.

I came to my appointment prepared with information regarding my menstrual cycle and the difficulties I’ve been having for a number of years. As there is a strong family history of adenomyosis, endometriosis fibroids and uterine polyps, it is important for me to not go through the same 10+ year wait for a diagnosis like my mother and grandmother.

During my consultation with the doctor, it was suggested that I may be suffering from chlamydia which would explain my symptoms. Despite me explaining that I’ve not been sexually active for over one year and that I am currently menstruating, I do not feel comfortable doing the requested swab. This interaction was incredibly insulting and suggested that I don’t have any understanding about my own body or the symptoms I have experienced for years. It further perpetuates the narrative that women’s health is unimportant and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

NICE guidance for suspected endometriosis states that if one or more of the following symptoms are reported, a referral should be considered:

• chronic pelvic pain

• period-related pain (dysmenorrhoea) affecting daily activities and quality of life

• deep pain during or after sexual intercourse

• period-related or cyclical gastrointestinal symptoms, in particular, painful bowel movements

• period-related or cyclical urinary symptoms, in particular, blood in the urine or pain passing urine

• infertility in association with 1 or more of the above.

Given that I reported 3 of these symptoms, and that they have been persistent for a number of years, I think this would justify a referral to gynaecology. I appreciate doctor reminding me that nothing was found in an ultrasound 6 years ago but this just highlights how long I have been suffering with this.