Fran
Felt I should reply to your query, because you have apparently been told that it will take "lots of tests" to identify whether you have endometriosis. I have lived with Stage II endometriosis since at least 1984, not surgically treated because of other health complications. The pain is very unpleasant and the unpredictable periods certainly not the most delightful aspect of being female, but the condition is NOT that hard to diagnose and treatments do exist if you have it. I couldn't tell from your comments whether anyone has defined what endometriosis actually is. My understanding is that blood/cell tissue normally lost during a monthly period escapes the uterus into the body cavity where it attaches in what are called implants, causing pain and pressure anywhere from mild aching over and above PMS and regular period pain to sharp, debilitating, keel-over knife-blade type pain. Each case is different. But identifying whether you have it can be done in one procedure, a laparoscopy. These usually cost around $2,400 and will be covered by your insurance where there is a reasonable concern that you have the condition. You'll have to talk to your doctor and insurance people. The procedure is considered surgery, because you are put fully to sleep, but the process is only minimally invasive, as they merely insert a small optical catheter through the naval and then look carefully to see whether any endometrial implants are visible. They have the choice of removing them at that time if found or, if there are too many or other complications found, they may stop with merely looking and wait until you are back up and functioning normally to discuss what should come next. Just from my own experience, and no general offense meant to male OB-GYN practitioners, I have found it preferable to go with a female OB-GYN. If you are getting confusing signals from your present doctor and he's a male OB-GYN, I'd at least suggest you get a second opinion about your problems from a female one. There should be a women's clinic, perhaps attached to your largest nearby hospital, who could help you with recommendations. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make the doctor(s) back up their statements to you with clear logic and information you can verify for yourself. This is YOUR body under attack from something and you have a right to expect your doctor to be helpful, not secretive. I'm suspicious of anyone telling you "lots of tests" will be needed to diagnose (or rule out) endometriosis. That's just not true. Best of luck to you, and stand your ground in trying to get better! If your doctor is grumpy and stand-offish when you try to communicate with him/her, get another doctor!