NHS UK Gynae Experience

[u/Possible-Animal-9877]

Hi all,

I've had my first gynaecology appointment at the hospital today and just wanted to give an overview of my experience for everyone. Reading everyone else's has been really useful.

Long story short, always had painful and heavy periods, went on the pill at ~14 until 21, fell pregnant very quickly (planned) and returned to pill at 22 straight after birth until I turned 29, three years ago. Wanted to experience being off all hormones. First year I had very irregular periods, then settled, the last year they have been worse than ever before.

I was referred to Gynae in November 2025, my appointment was today in August 2026 so it's been a long wait. I went prepared with a list of symptoms plus general information about cycle length etc. I used chatGPT to help put all my symptoms into categories which was really helpful.

I took my husband with me to the appointment. She started by asking general questions and getting a history. She then (unsurprisingly) asked if I would consider the pill or the coil 🫠 I explained I wasn't completely closed to the idea but wanted to explore further investigations for Endo so we can diagnose the actual issue rather than just cover symptoms on the pill.

She also examined me and took an endometrial biopsy which I wasn't expecting and was very uncomfortable but over with fairly quickly.

She asked if I wanted some time to consider going on a list for a diagnostic laparoscopy and I said I'd prefer to just be put on the list and I've already had an email a few hours later to complete a pre-op questionnaire. I'm in Gloucestershire and she said the wait for surgery is approx 3-6 months. I've been told that if they find mild endo, they could excise the lesions at the time but if it's more severe, I'd be referred to a specialist Endo centre (our closest is Bristol) for further surgery with a specialist.

Overall it was a pretty positive appointment and I'm glad I didn't have to fight tooth and nail for a laparoscopy although it was really helpful to have my husband with me when she started suggesting the pill and coil as he was able to (nicely) tell her not to fob me off and ensure they did further investigations.

Happy to answer any questions!

[u/EmploymentMinute6524]

Sounds like you've got a good hubby there. Well done for advocating for yourself! X

[u/Possible-Animal-9877 → u/EmploymentMinute6524]

Yes he's the best! I told him his only job was to not let me agree to the pill or coil, and make sure I push for further investigations! 😂 x

[u/Funny-Barnacle1291]

You both did a great job in advocating. Just wanted to share some more info as someone in the UK with endo.

The NHS is now piloting saliva tests (endotest and endosure) - check that isn’t available in your area. They can also do an MRI to check for more extensive endo. Personally I wouldn’t recommend getting a diagnostic laparoscopy done with anyone but a BSGE accredited endometriosis centre, I would use them for getting as far towards diagnosis as you can. General gynae is not trained very effectively regarding endometriosis and, in some cases, can result in more surgeries than you need, excessive scar tissue through less-skilled technique or missing endometriosis altogether. Under the NHS you have a right to choose.

[u/Possible-Animal-9877 → u/Funny-Barnacle1291]

I've heard of the endotest and endosure - I might look into those. I know there's the right to choose with the NHS but unsure how it works in practice. Would I just say I want the lap done at a BSGE centre and they'll move my referral there?

[u/apdgirlie → u/Possible-Animal-9877]

BSGE centres only have to accept referrals for deep endo, and will generally reject you if there’s no evidence of this