Endometriosis

Call a doctor immediately if you develop sudden, severe pelvic pain.

Call a doctor to schedule an appointment if:

• Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful.
• Pain interferes with your daily activities.
• You begin to have pain during intercourse.
• You have painful urination, blood in your urine, or an inability to control the flow of urine.
• You have blood in your stool, you develop pain, or a you have a significant, unexplained change in your bowel movements.
• You are not able to become pregnant after trying for 12 months.

Watchful waiting

If you have mild pain during your period but have no other symptoms or concerns, you can wait through several menstrual cycles. Then at your next routine visit with your doctor, you can discuss your pain. Home treatment may be all that you need to relieve mild pain.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate endometriosis and help you manage the pain include:

• Reference Family medicine physicians Opens New Window.
• Reference Gynecologists Opens New Window.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
• Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.

If your case is complicated or your main problem is infertility, you may be referred to:

• A Reference reproductive endocrinologist Opens New Window.
• A Reference surgeon Opens New Window.

For diagnosis with Reference laparoscopy Opens New Window or for surgical treatment, you may be referred to a Reference gynecologist Opens New Window.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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