Unwanted STI Test During Endo Investigation

I've been tested by gynaecologists every time they have done an exam because they have the logic of "were here already best be sure". It can feel a bit violating I know and they should have said they were going to, but they usually take the consent for having the exam to include any part they deem necessary - which is crazy but I suppose you can't get much more invasive than someone looking at your cervix 😅 I really hope that you are coping well and I wish you luck on your Endo journey.

Yes, completely normal. I had this done aswell as an ultrasound so they can rule out other possibilities. They just have an order to do things before you can be referred to specialists. Though they also didn’t tell me what the swabs were for until I got my results back and feel they should’ve just told me. I understand your upset, maybe they just assumed we’d know what they were but yes they should’ve made it clear. Sad to hear there’s many more that we’re not informed. Take care and good luck on your endo journey

Yes I was tested for everything including STI. However, they definitely should have told you what the swabs were for and it’s not okay that they tried to pull one over on you

They did the same for me, they tried doing it a second time (within a few months) when switching doctors and I actually yelled at the new doctor. In my defense she also called me a hypochondriac and said my pain was all in my head.

I agree that the doctor should have either asked for permission, or at least informed you that they were planning on testing you. In my opinion it's important to feel comfortable and trust your doctor. Good luck!

From what I understand, it's pretty common for them to test for those while they're already doing swabs for other things, especially if it has been a few years. I think the routine testing might be every 3 years or so. However, I absolutely agree that they should have asked you first. It's your body and you have the right to say yes or no to anything a doctor wants to do, no matter how "easy" or "routine" they may think/say it is.