Pain can be hard to explain, especially when it changes, spreads, flares or feels different at different times.
Some people worry they will sound dramatic. Others minimise pain because they have been dismissed before.
But clear pain language can help healthcare professionals understand what you are experiencing and what support may be needed.
Start with where the pain is
Try to name the area.
For example:
- lower abdomen
- pelvis
- one side of the pelvis
- lower back
- hips
- groin
- thighs
- rectum
- bowel area
- bladder area
- ribs
- chest
- shoulder
- surgical scar
You can say:
“The pain starts low in my pelvis and travels into my back and thigh.”
Or:
“I get sharp rectal pain when opening my bowels, especially during my period.”
Describe what the pain feels like
Use words that feel natural to you.
Pain may feel:
- sharp
- stabbing
- burning
- cramping
- aching
- dragging
- pulling
- heavy
- deep
- electric
- shooting
- tearing
- pressure-like
You could say:
“It feels like a deep pulling pain.”
Or:
“It feels like burning pain that travels down my leg.”
Or:
“It feels like severe cramps, but stronger than normal cramps and it stops me functioning.”
Explain when it happens
Timing matters.
Say whether pain happens:
- before your period
- during your period
- after your period
- around ovulation
- outside your cycle
- during bowel movements
- when passing urine
- during or after sex
- after exercise
- after sitting
- during flares
- every day
You could say:
“The pain is there most days, but it becomes severe before and during my period.”
Or:
“My bowel pain flares at the same time each month.”
Explain severity in practical terms
Pain scores can be useful, but impact is often clearer.
Instead of only saying:
“It is 8 out of 10.”
Also say:
“It stops me walking upright.”
“It makes me miss school or work.”
“I vomit from the pain.”
“I cannot sleep.”
“I cannot look after my children properly during flares.”
“I have to cancel plans every month.”
This shows how pain affects your life.
Explain what helps and what does not
Tell the healthcare professional:
- what pain relief you use
- how often you use it
- whether it helps
- whether heat helps
- whether rest helps
- whether movement helps or worsens pain
- whether hormonal treatment has helped
- whether symptoms continue despite treatment
You could say:
“I have tried ibuprofen and paracetamol, but they do not control the pain enough for me to function.”
Or:
“Heat helps a little, but I still cannot work during flares.”
Explain whether pain is changing
Mention if pain is:
- getting worse
- lasting longer
- spreading to new areas
- happening outside periods
- affecting new activities
- linked with new bowel or bladder symptoms
- causing more fatigue
- not responding to usual pain relief
Change over time can be important.
Use clear phrases
Helpful phrases include:
- “This pain is affecting my daily life.”
- “This is not normal for me.”
- “The pain is worsening.”
- “The pain is not controlled by usual pain relief.”
- “I am missing school, work or activities because of this.”
- “I am worried this could be endometriosis.”
- “I would like to understand what the next step is.”
- “Can this be documented in my notes?”
Do not minimise your pain
Try not to soften your words too much.
Instead of:
“It is probably nothing.”
Say:
“It is affecting my life and I need help understanding why.”
Instead of:
“I am sorry to bother you.”
Say:
“I am concerned because these symptoms are ongoing.”
You are not wasting anyone’s time.
Final reminder
You do not need perfect medical language to explain pain well.
You need to describe where it is, what it feels like, when it happens and how it affects your life.
Use our Prepare for Appointment Tool to organise this before your appointment.