Speaking to a GP about possible endometriosis can feel daunting, especially if you have already been told that pain is “normal” or something you just need to manage.

You do not need to prove that you have endometriosis before asking for help. Your role is to explain what you are experiencing, how often it happens, and how it affects your life. A healthcare professional’s role is to listen, assess, investigate where needed, and help you understand next steps.

This guide will help you prepare for your first appointment.

Before the appointment

Before you speak to your GP, use our Prepare for Appointment Tool.

The tool will help you organise:

  • your main symptoms
  • when symptoms happen
  • whether symptoms link to your cycle
  • how symptoms affect daily life
  • what pain relief or treatments you have already tried
  • any bowel, bladder, fatigue, fertility or nerve-like symptoms
  • your main questions
  • what outcome you are hoping for from the appointment

You do not need a perfect symptom diary. Even a few clear notes can help.

What to tell the GP

Try to explain the impact of your symptoms, not only the symptom itself.

Instead of saying:

“I get bad periods.”

You could say:

“My period pain stops me going to work or school, and I sometimes feel sick or unable to move.”

Instead of saying:

“I get stomach problems.”

You could say:

“I get bowel pain and bloating that is worse before and during my period.”

Instead of saying:

“I am tired all the time.”

You could say:

“My fatigue is affecting my ability to work, study, care for my family or do normal activities.”

This helps the GP understand how serious the symptoms are.

Symptoms worth mentioning

Tell your GP if you have:

  • painful periods that affect daily life
  • pelvic pain
  • pain outside your period
  • pain during or after sex
  • bowel symptoms that flare with your cycle
  • bladder symptoms that flare with your cycle
  • heavy bleeding
  • bleeding between periods
  • fatigue that affects daily life
  • nausea or dizziness linked with pain or bleeding
  • pain around ovulation
  • back, hip, groin or leg pain
  • difficulty getting pregnant
  • family history of endometriosis, if known
  • symptoms that are worsening or not improving

Mention symptoms even if they feel embarrassing. Bowel, bladder and sex-related symptoms can be relevant.

Be clear about what you need

It can help to say what you are asking for.

You might say:

“I am concerned that my symptoms could be linked with endometriosis. I would like to understand what assessment or referral may be appropriate.”

Or:

“My symptoms are affecting my daily life. I would like help with pain management and investigation.”

Or:

“I have bowel and bladder symptoms that flare with my cycle. Could endometriosis be considered?”

You are not being difficult by asking clear questions.

Questions to ask your GP

You may want to ask:

  • Could my symptoms be linked with endometriosis?
  • What else could be causing these symptoms?
  • What investigations are appropriate?
  • Should I have an ultrasound?
  • Would referral to gynaecology be appropriate?
  • What should I do if pain relief is not working?
  • What symptoms should make me seek urgent help?
  • How long should I wait before coming back if symptoms continue?
  • Can you record in my notes that these symptoms are affecting my daily life?

If you are offered pain relief or hormonal treatment

You may be offered pain relief, hormonal treatment or other symptom management.

It is reasonable to ask:

  • What is this treatment meant to help with?
  • How long should I try it for?
  • What side effects should I know about?
  • What should I do if it does not help?
  • Will investigation or referral still continue if symptoms are severe?
  • Does this treatment affect fertility or future options?

Symptom treatment can be useful, but it should not mean your symptoms are dismissed.

If you feel dismissed

If you feel you are not being taken seriously, try to stay calm and bring the conversation back to impact and next steps.

You could say:

“I understand that some period pain can happen, but this pain is stopping me living normally. What is the plan to investigate it?”

Or:

“If we are not referring today, can we agree when I should come back and what would trigger referral?”

Or:

“Could you please record that I have asked about possible endometriosis and that my symptoms are affecting my daily life?”

You can also ask for a second opinion or book with another GP.

After the appointment

Before the appointment ends, make sure you understand:

  • what the GP thinks may be happening
  • what tests or referrals are being arranged
  • what treatment is being offered
  • how long to try it
  • when to come back
  • what to do if symptoms worsen
  • what warning signs need urgent help

Write down the plan as soon as you can after the appointment.

Final reminder

You deserve to be listened to.

You do not need to have every symptom. You do not need to know the diagnosis before asking for help. If symptoms are affecting your life, they are worth discussing.

Use our Prepare for Appointment Tool before you speak with a GP so you can explain your symptoms clearly and confidently.