Your first GP visit for suspected endometriosis: a calm, clear checklist

If you’re booking a GP appointment because you suspect endometriosis, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to memorise everything. This guide keeps things calm and practical so you can make the most of a short visit. It’s educational only and not medical advice.

Before your appointment

1) Jot down your top three concerns
For example: pain that interrupts work or study, pain during periods or sex, bowel or bladder symptoms, or fertility worries. Three bullets are easier to share than a long story.

2) Bring a simple symptom snapshot
Over the past 4–8 weeks, note:

• Typical and worst pain (0–10)
• Period timing (or if cycles are irregular)
• Impact on daily life (missed work/school, sleep disruption)
• What helps (heat, rest, OTC pain relief, pacing, pelvic physio exercises)

3) List what you’ve tried
Any self-care strategies or previous consultations and scans. It’s fine if the list is short.

4) Practical bits

• Photo ID and NHS number (if you have it)
• A notepad or your phone to capture actions and dates
• If you feel anxious, take a supportive friend or family member

In the room: a 10-minute plan

Open with your one-liner

“I’m worried I may have endometriosis because [X]. It affects my [work/study/sleep/relationships]. I’d like to understand next steps.”

Share your symptom snapshot
Hand over a printout or read the bullets. Concrete detail can speed things up.

Key questions to ask

• Based on my symptoms, what could be going on?
• What tests or referrals are reasonable at this stage?
• When should I return or seek urgent help?
• If periods are particularly difficult, what options exist while we investigate?

Agree actions and timelines
Ask the GP to summarise the plan: e.g., bloods or ultrasound, a trial of pain management, and a review date. Write it down.

If you’re offered next steps

Ultrasound
Ask how to book, how long it might take, and what results will (and won’t) show. Some findings need specialist review even if a scan is normal.

Pain management while waiting
It’s okay to discuss short-term strategies to help you function. Keep a note of what you try and whether it helps.

Referral
If a referral is appropriate, ask where to, typical waits, and how to follow up if you don’t hear back.

If it didn’t go as you hoped

• Ask for a follow-up with the same GP or another in the practice.
• Bring a clearer diary and a short written summary next time.
• You can request a second opinion or discuss options under NHS patient choice.

After the appointment

• Add any new symptoms, test dates and results to your notes.
• If you were given a self-management plan, note what you try and how it affects pain and function.
• Set a reminder for your review date.

Gentle script examples

• Booking: “I’m experiencing pelvic pain that interrupts work/study and I’d like an appointment to discuss whether this could be endometriosis.”
• In the room: “Here are the three ways this affects my day-to-day life. Could we talk through tests or referrals?”

Link-outs you can include on the page (non-exhaustive)

• NHS overview pages for endometriosis
• NICE guidance summaries in plain English
• Charity helplines and peer support options
• Directories for accredited specialist centres

Educational only: This article does not provide medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

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