Endometriosis Symptoms: Starting the Conversation With Your GP
Severe period pain is not something you should have to simply endure. Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, pain with sex, bowel or bladder symptoms, fatigue and fertility concerns. Symptoms vary widely, and some people have had pain dismissed for years before they ask again for help.
Why this matters
A GP visit is often the first step toward a clearer plan. Endometriosis cannot always be seen on a standard ultrasound, and symptoms do not always match the amount of disease. Even before a final diagnosis, a GP can help treat pain, check for other causes, support work or study needs, discuss contraception options, arrange imaging where useful and refer to gynaecology or pelvic physiotherapy when needed.
A few helpful terms
· Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and can cause pain or other symptoms.
· Pelvic pain: Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which can have many possible causes.
· Laparoscopy: Keyhole surgery sometimes used in diagnosis or treatment of endometriosis.
Common reasons to book a GP appointment
· Your period pain stops you going to work, school, exercise or normal activities.
· You have pelvic pain outside your period.
· Sex, bowel movements or urination are painful, especially around your period.
· You have heavy bleeding, fatigue, bloating or low iron.
· You are trying to conceive and have pelvic pain or a history suggestive of endometriosis.
What we can talk through together
Your GP may ask about your first period, cycle pattern, pain timing, bleeding, bowel and bladder symptoms, pain with sex, fertility plans, family history, previous scans, medications and what you have already tried. They may consider pregnancy testing, STI testing, urine testing, blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, pain management, hormonal options or referral. The plan should also consider mental health, sleep and the impact on daily life.
What to expect at the appointment
You deserve a consultation that takes pain seriously. It can help to describe what pain stops you doing rather than only giving a number out of ten. For example, say if you vomit, faint, miss work, cannot exercise, avoid sex, or plan life around your cycle. That information helps your GP understand severity and urgency.
How to prepare
Track pain days, bleeding, bowel and bladder symptoms, sex pain and medications for one or two cycles if possible. Bring previous ultrasound reports and write down fertility goals or concerns.
Care close to home in Maroubra and the Eastern Suburbs
Dr Amanda Henderson is a GP consulting at GP Maroubra, 14 Meagher Ave, South Maroubra NSW 2035. At GP Maroubra, she provides family-focused general practice care across pregnancy and pre-pregnancy health, shared antenatal care, women's health, contraception, paediatrics, skin checks, lifestyle medicine, travel medicine, men's health and preventive care. Patients commonly look for local care from Maroubra, South Maroubra, Coogee, Randwick, Malabar, Matraville, Pagewood and nearby parts of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Choosing a GP is personal. It is reasonable to consider location, appointment availability, communication style, continuity and whether the services offered fit the reason you are booking. The aim is to help you feel prepared for a useful appointment and to know when a concern needs more urgent attention.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, pregnancy with pain or bleeding, fever, severe vomiting, or pain with a rigid abdomen. These symptoms can suggest urgent conditions that are not safe to manage as routine endometriosis care.
Common questions
Can a normal ultrasound rule out endometriosis?
No. Some forms of endometriosis may not be seen on standard imaging. A normal scan does not automatically mean symptoms are not real.
Can a GP treat symptoms before diagnosis?
Yes. Pain management and hormonal options may be discussed while investigation or referral is underway.
Should I see a gynaecologist?
Some patients need gynaecology review, especially with severe symptoms, fertility concerns, complex pain or poor response to initial treatment.
Is endometriosis only period pain?
No. It can involve pelvic pain, bowel symptoms, bladder symptoms, sex pain, fatigue and fertility concerns.
Further reading from trusted Australian sources
Practical next step
If this sounds like the help you need, book a GP appointment with Dr Amanda Henderson at GP Maroubra. A longer appointment is usually best if the issue is complex, emotional, involves paperwork, or includes more than one concern. Appointments can be made online or by calling GP Maroubra on (02) 9311 9311 during practice opening hours.
General information only: This information is general and does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. Health advice can change, and your own risks may be different. In an emergency, call 000.