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Your first consultation
Endometriosis UK published the results of the Pain & Quality of Life Survey highlighting that the time between first experiencing symptoms to the diagnosis of endometriosis was, on average, 8 years! Part of the reason for this could be that the common symptoms of endometriosis are also the common symptoms of many other conditions, therefore making it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Try to share as much information as possible during your appointment with the healthcare professional. This will benefit your care and hopefully speed up diagnosis.
Please bear in mind that both the GP and the consultant may want to examine your abdomen, and possibly examine you internally, to help them with their diagnosis. If you are concerned about this, please let them know. You have the right to a chaperone so that you are not alone with the doctor. Please ask if one isn’t offered.
You may find that you become emotional when you are telling the doctor about your symptoms. This is perfectly normal. It may be the first time that you are telling anyone about them, you may feel embarrassed about the nature of the things you are discussing or you may not know why you feel emotional. Please remember that the doctor will have seen it all before, many times – probably even that same day! – so try not to feel too embarrassed.
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