I'm 31 and I think I have endometriosis but my doctor won't refer me to a gynacologist ..what now?

Where do you live, Sarah?  And why do you require a referral to a gynecologist? Do you have an HMO or PPO insurance? You should be able to go see one for your female exams, too, like an annual pap smear and have the discussion about your symptoms.

How dare your doctor tell you it's normal. It's not.  None of your symptoms are NORMAL.

Did you tell your doctor that you insist on a referral to a gynecologist?  Stand your ground.  Or even contact your insurance company directly and let them know you need to see a gynecologist.

You can tell your doctor you don't want the colonoscopy.  And that you DO want to see a gynecologist for your menstrual issues.  Or can you get a new doctor?  One that isn't stupid?

Wow Sarah: fire that terrible gp! If you're in UK or rural US & can't do that, report him to the authorities because all this stuff is NOT normal.

Still, take the colonoscopy because even a gyno may insist on one. If it comes back clear or just says hemorrhoids or diverticulosis, these don't exclude endo, nor do they exclude the possibility that the blood in stools is from endo on the outer surface of your gut.

Start keeping a journal of all symptoms. When you have blood in your stools, note the color, e.g., bright or dark red. If it's dark red, i suggest a trip to ER/casualty as passage of dark red blood usually prompts some immediate testing & attention. Note ALL the different pains. Take this journal along to every doc/ER you visit.

You need a laparoscopy, soon. It is the only definitive answer on endo, especially if you've got spots on the outside of guts.

If you are in the States and on a POP or HMO, report the go to state licensing authority and say that he is making medical decisions based on ignorance of basic gynecology combined with apparent rules that lead to financial bonuses for every month in which he refuses to give referrals to specialists. Start writing those letters today because the complaint process is very slow.

I'm in the UK.

We need a doctors referral letter before we can see a gynacologist here.

I'm going back to Diff GP today and I hope she refers me.

I don't see what harm it does them.