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When should I get a second opinion for pelvic pain?

Topic:Treatment Challenges
Affected areas:pelvicbladderbowel

A second opinion is worth seeking when pelvic pain persists despite treatment, keeps recurring after prior surgery, or you’ve been told “everything looks normal” while your symptoms continue to disrupt your life. It’s also appropriate if your pain pattern is evolving (spreading beyond periods, becoming daily, or showing bladder/bowel or pain-with-intercourse features), or if you feel your concerns were minimized and the plan never addressed why the pain is happening.


We also recommend a second opinion when you’re being asked to make a major decision—like whether surgery is necessary, what kind of surgery is planned, or whether symptoms could reflect complex or deeply infiltrating disease. In those situations, a record-based review can clarify what’s already been tried, what may have been missed (including conditions that mimic or worsen endometriosis), and what a realistic next step should look like.


If you’re at that crossroads, our team can review your history, imaging, and prior operative/pathology reports and help you understand your options with a clear, individualized rationale. You don’t need to gather everything perfectly to start—send what you have, and we’ll tell you what else would be most helpful and whether we believe we can add meaningful value.

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Dr. Steven Vasilev delivers best-in-class endometriosis guidance and a personalized treatment plan—built on evidence and your unique biology.


Led by Steven Vasilev, MD—an internationally recognized endometriosis specialist & MIGS surgeon—Lotus Endometriosis Institute is virtual-forward, with many patients traveling nationally for care. Clinical evaluation and surgical treatment are provided in California.

Santa Monica, CA

2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Operating Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday

Arroyo Grande, CA

154 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420