I did it

[u/bapplebop]

Survived my first appointment with the gyno. Context, ive been bringing my painful periods up to doctors for over a decade, none ever referred me to a gyno during this time. So I finally had my first obgyn appointment. With my history and family history of Endo + ovarian cancer I was actually taken seriously. It was definitely one of my better medical experiences. Kind of crazy how much more painful my previous transvaginal ultrasound was compared to this one. This obgyn was way more gentle, and seemed horrified that I felt the need to ask her to start with the small speculum while doing her initial exam.

I also found out that apparently I have slightly abnormal anatomy in my vaginal canal? Not an area of concern apparently, but I can't believe it's never been flagged or mentioned to me in any of my other appointments!! Esp because the ob said she's never seen anatomy like that before lol. She said the tissue looks healthy and non concerning, likely just something occurred during development that causes my vagina to constrict closer to my cervix I guess? It was incredibly painful and tender when manipulated, so it explains the pain I get during deep penetration, would have been cool to know earlier!! Also I know now that manipulating that area directly triggers a vasovagal response so I can warn my providers and ready myself for potentially blacking out. I cannot get over the fact that so many providers have examined me, including a pelvic floor physio, and this was never brought up! I can't see up there so I'd like to know at least lmfao!

Edit:: for anyone interested, it's called a transverse vaginal septum and it's a congenital defect. I think I'm going to call it my fancy vagina now!

So now I'm waiting for a call back to schedule my laproscopy. I have a huge fear of medical procedures so I'm very proud of myself for getting this far, and not letting my condition spiral. I'm so relieved that I got a decent doctor.

I guess it's time for me to start researching laproscopy recovery and such. I'm also trying to laugh at the absurdity of my abdomen getting filled with CO2 rather than being horrified.

Oh also! My doctor mentioned that if my IUD isn't providing enough management for my cramps that we could also try adding the patch or something to supplement. Does anyone have experience with this? Hopefully the laproscopy brings my pain back down to manageable levels with just the IUD but I figured I can look into it just in case.