It is astoundingly difficult to get female/gynaecological pain taken seriously. Here in the UK as well. It took ten years for me to get an actual diagnosis for my endometriosis. I lost count of the number of times I was told it was 'just' my menstrual cycle and I just needed to get used to it.

That sounds as though you had quite a rough time, I'm glad your friend was there for you and supported you so well.