Understand the concern
Pain may occur with periods, sex, bowel movements or urination. Fatigue and fertility difficulties can also affect everyday life.
What assessment may involve
Discuss symptom patterns and family history. Assessment may involve examination, ultrasound, MRI or laparoscopy depending on the situation.
Care options to discuss
Treatment aims to manage symptoms. Discuss pain management, hormonal options, surgery and how pregnancy plans affect decisions.
These are discussion points, not a prescription. Suitability and availability vary.
Practical next steps
Keep a pain record that includes bowel, bladder, sexual and period symptoms and their effect on daily life. Note treatments tried and whether they helped. Ask for support with fatigue, mood and work or study difficulties as well as pain.
Follow-up and decisions
Ask what each test could clarify and what happens if symptoms persist. Treatment aims to manage symptoms; options have different implications for pregnancy plans. If treatment is ineffective or symptoms are severe, ask whether specialist endometriosis care is appropriate and who will coordinate follow-up.
A question you may have
What if initial treatment does not help?
Ask for reassessment and whether specialist endometriosis care is appropriate.
Prepare for your appointment
What to record
Record pain, cycle timing, bowel or bladder symptoms and effects on daily activities.
Questions worth asking
What is the next step if my symptoms persist?
How will each option affect my fertility plans?