Being Patient with Severe Menstrual Pain Is Not a Solution. Finding the Cause and Treating It Is

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. In some cases, the immune system can clear these tissues. However, when it cannot, inflammation, fibrosis, and cysts may develop.

At Acıbadem Hospital in İstanbul, Türkiye, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services for endometriosis have led to the establishment of a specialized Endometriosis Center led by Prof. Taner Usta, MD. The center focuses exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of women affected by this condition. Today, it holds international accreditation and performs more than 100 endometriosis surgeries every year. For this reason, women from different parts of the world travel here for their treatment.

A Real Patient Story: Insisting on Seeking the Best Possible Care

Georgina is a 23 year old young woman who experienced severe menstrual pain that gradually worsened over the years. The pain became so intense that she could barely walk and had to take up to ten times the normal dose of pain medication.

She met with physicians in her hometown, but none were able to clearly identify her condition. “I was repeatedly told to wait and be patient. At one point, I was even called hysterical by a doctor who suggested that I was ‘imagining’ the pain. Despite the severity and persistence of my symptoms, my concerns were not taken seriously. Eventually, I found one doctor who confirmed that I had an endometriosis cyst but advised against intervention in order to preserve viable eggs and protect my fertility.”

After these challenging experiences, marked by persistent pain and difficulty finding a suitable specialist, Georgina began researching treatment options, believing there had to be a better alternative. Eventually, she found an expert who specialized in the treatment of endometriosis at Acıbadem Hospital in İstanbul, Prof. Taner Usta, MD.

During an online consultation, Prof. Usta listened patiently, answered all questions, and explained the condition with calmness and clarity. After this meeting, Georgina decided to travel to İstanbul to meet Prof. Usta in person. “For years, I had struggled to explain my complaints. For the first time, I felt seen, believed, and taken seriously. He confirmed my diagnosis, and I felt a sense of relief and trust that I was finally in the right place. It was more than just medical expertise. The kindness and empathy he showed within the first ten minutes were more than I had received in years of seeking medical help,” Georgina says.

Is Endometriosis Diagnosis Really Difficult?

Although endometriosis is not difficult to diagnose when evaluated by an experienced specialist, the symptoms and complaints of patients may sometimes be overlooked in general gynecology practice. Gynecology is a very broad field that covers many different conditions. Around the world, only a limited number of physicians focus specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

When patients consult one of these specialists, the picture often becomes clear and the path to treatment is defined. Georgina’s story reflects this reality. After years of struggling with endometriosis, meeting Prof. Taner Usta meant that her condition was finally understood and a clear treatment plan was established within weeks.

During Georgina’s surgery, more than ten endometriotic lesions were excised, and adhesions affecting different areas of the pelvis were carefully treated using laparoscopic techniques. These findings explained the intensity and persistence of her pain.

Healing, Validation, and Reclaiming Trust

Six weeks after surgery, Georgina already feels a significant improvement. “The pain that once dominated my daily life has eased in ways I didn’t think were possible, and for the first time in years, my body feels lighter and more at peace.”

Beyond the physical healing, Georgina also feels a deep sense of emotional relief and gratitude. “This journey has been about validation and reclaiming trust in my own body after years of being made to doubt it. Today, I am healing not only from surgery, but also from the emotional weight of not being believed. Knowing that my pain was real, that it had a name, and that compassionate, skilled care exists has changed my life in ways I am still coming to understand. I will be forever grateful to Prof. Taner Usta for giving me my quality of life back.”