What should I do if I am worried I have endometriosis?
BY DR. BROOKE WINNERIf you’re feeling concerned that you might have endometriosis, the first step is to talk to your doctor.
Here are a few options on who to consult:
You can start with your general practitioner, family doctor, or primary care physician.
You might also choose to see your OB GYN.
For more specialized care, you could go directly to an endometriosis excision specialist.
When you meet with your doctor, they will perform a thorough history review and a physical examination. They will likely begin with a pelvic ultrasound for imaging. Remember, a normal ultrasound doesn’t rule out endometriosis; it often indicates earlier stages of the condition. Depending on the findings, some patients might be offered hormonal treatments, but not everyone will respond well to this type of therapy.
If you ever feel that your concerns aren’t being addressed by your doctor—be it your generalist or OB GYN—it’s completely fine to seek a second opinion, especially from an endometriosis surgery specialist. You deserve to be heard and to receive the best care possible.
Do you prefer to watch it?
Watch Dr. Brooke Winner explain what to do if you’re worried you may have endometriosis in this short video.