You’re not alone—almost 1 million Australians are sharing this journey with you, and many of us have sat in doctors’ offices searching for the right words to explain what we’re going through.
This guide will help you translate your experience into terms that doctors can understand and act upon.
Make your pain scale meaningful
Doctors often ask you to rate your pain from 1-10. Instead of getting stuck with numbers, try connecting them to your real-life experience to provide the correct context for your doctor.
Pain level 4-5:
The pain interferes with my daily activities but I can still work through it with regular over-the-counter pain medication.
Pain level 7-8:
I need to call in sick to work or cancel my plans, and can’t focus on anything else but the pain. Over-the-counter medication barely touches the sides.
Pain level 9-10:
I need someone to drive me to the emergency room.
Find the right words
Instead of just saying “it hurts,” here are some words that can help paint a clearer picture for your doctor.
Stabbing: Sharp, knife-like pain
Cramping: Rhythmic tightening pain
Burning: Hot, searing sensation
Throbbing: Pulsing pain that comes in waves, like a heartbeat of pain
Dragging: Heavy, pulling sensation in the pelvis
Radiating: Pain that spreads from one area to another
Map it out
Being specific about pain location and patterns can help your doctor to understand your unique experience.
“The pain starts in my lower right abdomen and radiates down my right leg”
“It moves from my lower back to my pelvis”
“Both sides hurt, but my left side feels like it’s getting the worst of it”
Share your daily reality
Help doctors understand the severity of your experience by explaining how the pain affects your daily activities.
Consider how your pain affects:
Work life
- Are you forced to work from home due to pain?
- How many sick days do you have to use due to symptoms?
- What adjustments do you have to make to work (e.g. heatpacks, wearing a TENS machine to work, carrying a supermarket worth of overnight pads in your work bag)?
Exercise routine
- Does your pain interrupt your exercise routine?
- Have you had to modify or give up certain physical activities?
- Are there times when even basic movement becomes difficult?
Social life and relationships
- Do you have to cancel plans due to pain?
- Do you miss out on events or trips due to fear of pain flare ups or bleeding through?
- How does your condition affect your relationships with family and friends?
- What impact does it have on your ability to make and keep social commitments?
Intimacy
- Do you experience painful intercourse?
- Do you anticipate pain, which leads to a decrease in desire?
- Do you experience pain spasms during intercourse?
- Do you bleed after intimacy?
Financial impact
- How much money goes towards pain medication?
- Do you have to take unpaid time off work?
- What ongoing medical expenses do you have?
- How does this condition affect your financial security?
Track changes and patterns
Document how your pain changes. Keep a record of:
Time of day: “The pain is worst in the mornings”
Cyclical patterns: “My pain intensifies during ovulation and menstruation”
Triggers: “My pain flares up after eating certain foods or during physical activity”
Highlight associated symptoms
Pain often brings along some unwelcome friends. Let your doctor know about other symptoms that occur with your pain, such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Heavy bleeding
- Bowel changes
- Bladder issues
Be specific about what helps and what doesn’t
Being honest about your pain management helps your doctor understand what you’re dealing with.
“Regular painkillers barely touch the sides”
“Heat packs only provide temporary relief”
“There are times when all I can do is just lie still and wait it out”
Tips for your doctor’s visit
- Keep a pain diary prior to your appointment as a record of your experience
- Write down your main points and what you want to say—it can be hard to remember everything
- Consider bringing a support person who can help advocate for you
- Don’t downplay your symptoms—be honest about their impact
- If possible, book a longer appointment to ensure you have enough time for discussion
For more information on how to advocate for yourself at the doctors, read our blog written by RN & Astrid Health Clinical Manager Olivia Lackmann.
When to seek emergency care
You know your body better than anyone. Here’s how to know when to head to an emergency room:
- Severe, uncontrolled pain that’s different from your usual endo pain
- Heavier-than-usual bleeding that soaks through a pad every hour
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Signs of infection like fever
- Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
Most importantly, remember that your experience is valid, your pain is real, and you deserve care that takes you seriously. Being able to tell your story clearly is a powerful step toward getting the support you need. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
