When To Call a Doctor

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

Call a health professional 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 or 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 and discuss the pain with your health professional at your next regular visit. 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:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Gynecologists.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

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

• A reproductive endocrinologist.
• A surgeon.

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

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