04/01/2026
Unfortunately not an April Fool’s Joke 🙃
And yes, there are amazing gynecologists who specialize in endometriosis, have actual excision training, use imaging well, and collaborate when cases are complex. These are rare precious jewels and we TREASURE THEM.
But most gynecologists don’t get solid endometriosis education in school. What they know depends heavily on residency and whether they pursued more training after. There’s research showing many resident OBGYNs don’t feel confident diagnosing or treating endometriosis which reflects the education level (honestly I’m happy they don’t feel more confident given what they know).
At the same time, there are many providers who feel confident to diagnose and treat you but are working off completely outdated or simply incorrect information.
So endo warriors get gaslighted, misdiagnosed, and told that pregnancy or hysterectomy will solve all of their symptoms. 👁️ 👄 👁️ Or birth control is offered as a cure and not explained as a symptom management option that may or may not help and also has risks (like any medication).
Gynecologists may even tell you that they are an endo excision specialist when they have minimal experience with identification of atypical endo lesions so they end up missing huge portions of the disease. Or they are focused on certain outcomes like fertility but not in removing endo or looking for it throughout the pelvic and abdominal cavities.
And ironically endometriosis isn’t even strictly a gynecological disease though thats who you will be told to see. 🤷🏻♀️ Endo routinely affects the re**um and abdominal cavities and can be found in many other parts of the body which can each require a different type of surgeon to operate.
I’m a couple hours off of the last day of but the advocating doesn’t end. Unfortunately if you suspect you have endometriosis my best advice is to assume that your provider is in the majority and doesn’t know anything about endo until they prove otherwise. Do lots of research, check out other endo warriors lists and recommendations, and ask a LOT of questions.
Sending love,
Sharon aka The D
