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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Does Endometriosis cause discharge?

    I have had a discharge since July 2011. It ranges from bright blood to a brown colour. To cut a long story short, I went to the first Gyno in October who removed some HPV spots and a ‘raw spot’ on my cervix that he believed may have been causing the discharge. Not so.

    I have since had 5 swabs, all negative for infection. I went to a new gyno last week who told me “you have had endo before so you should know it doesn't cause discharge”. He also told me “it would be a waste of hospital time if I went in to remove endo and that wasn't the problem”!!! I left his office in tears. I went back to the GP 2 days ago who asked me for a sample of the discharge and he suggested I wear glad wrap to try and collect the sample. A lot of the time the discharge is liquid so you can imagine how tricky that was. I used a tampon to try and collect a sample and it was covered in red/dark brown stuff.

    I don't know what else to do when the doctors seem baffled. I have pain during sex and a sore lower back??? Also my Aunty has had ovarian cancer.
  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 4

    Thanks

    Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a leader in women’s health, supported by funding from the Australian Government. We provide trusted and easy-to-understand information to … View Profile

    As you probably know, the only sure way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy and excision of the suspected tissue at the same time. There are some non-surgical tests that a gynaecologist may perform (e.g. pelvic/vaginal examination, ultrasound, IL-6 & -8, CA125, MRI), but none of these can definitely confirm endometriosis.
    I can't comment on your individual symptoms, but our endometriosis website (www.endometriosis.org.au) lists some common symptoms that can be caused by endometriosis. Symptoms of endometriosis vary widely, though, and many are easily confused with other conditions. Keeping a diary of your individual symptoms (when they started, timing and severity) can help your health practitioner or gynaecologist with their diagnosis.

  • 8

    Thanks

    Dr Ken Law

    Gynaecologist, Gynaecologist - Infertility (IVF) Specialist, Obstetrician

    Dr Ken Law is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Brisbane, operating out of Greenslopes Private Hospital, delivering babies at Greenslopes Maternity. He has special interests … View Profile

    Endometriosis does not usually cause vaginal discharge. The only exception may be in the unusual cases where you have Endometriosis within the vagina itself, where some women may notice some bloody discharge.

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