I've suffered for a long time and have avoided getting the exploratory surgery to find out if I have endometriosis. The last time I went to my PCP she said she thought I had it and refered me to an obgyn but I never made the appointment out of fear of the surgery, and out of fear of it not being endometriosis or not getting answers at all. I started searching for answers when I was 17 (I'm almost 26) and have been told several times that my symptoms are normal, that I'm over dramatic, etc and that also plays a part in my avoidance. For years I've been telling myself all the same things doctors in the past have told me. But I'm at a point where I can't really ignore it, sex is painful during and I even get excruciating cramps afterwards along with many other symptoms and I can't do it anymore. I guess I want to know other people's symptoms so that I can compare, and maybe gain some confidence/courage/validation to actually see it through instead of gaslighting myself out of it. I appreciate anyone who's willing to share their story!