Second opinions and speaking up

Why it matters

Many conditions in this course take years to diagnose. Endometriosis took 10 years on average in a large French study.¹ In a 2023 UK survey, over half of women and girls felt a healthcare professional hadn't taken them seriously about their periods.² Speaking up, and sometimes getting another opinion, is part of getting the right care.

When to get a second opinion

Consider one if:³

• you've been diagnosed with a serious or rare condition
• you're told you need surgery or a procedure
• you disagree with the diagnosis, or don't understand it
• there are several treatments to choose between
• your symptoms keep getting worse despite treatment
• you'd simply feel more confident before starting treatment

Myth: Asking for a second opinion will offend your doctor.

Many people worry about this, and it's a kind instinct. But doctors generally support second opinions.³ In the UK, the General Medical Council says doctors must respect a patient's right to seek one.⁴

How to get one

1. Ask your current doctor for a referral or names of other specialists. In the UK, ask your GP to refer you again.^3,4
2. Gather your records: test results, scans and notes.³
3. Write down your questions, such as whether they agree with the diagnosis and what other treatments there are.³

Speaking up at any appointment

• Track your symptoms before you go: dates, how bad, what helps, and how they affect your life. The lessons on periods, PMDD and endometriosis explain what to track.
• Bring a short list of your top concerns and ask about the most important one first.
• Ask directly: "What else could this be?" "What's the next step if this doesn't work?" "Can we rule out [condition]?"
• Bring someone to take notes if you can.
• Ask for it in writing if a test or referral is declined, so you know the reason.