Navigating the endometriosis maze can be a challenge, but asking the right questions will set you on the path to personalised care. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re a seasoned expert, here’s what to ask at your next appointment.

1. “What’s the extent of my endometriosis, and how will it affect my health?”

Endometriosis isn’t a cookie-cutter condition. It varies from person to person, so getting the full lowdown from your doctor is essential. You want to know where the endometriosis is, how much there is, and whether it's affecting other organs like your bladder, kidney, or bowel.

2. “What are my treatment options, and what are the pros and cons?”

Treating endometriosis is not as simple as popping a pill or booking a one-off procedure. There’s a whole menu of options - from hormonal therapies to surgeries - and each comes with its own pros and cons. Make sure your doctor lays out all the options, not just their top pick, and how each one will impact your symptoms, future fertility, and overall quality of life.

3. “What strategies can help manage my pain effectively?”

Let’s be real: endo pain is no joke, and figuring out how to manage it can feel like a full-time job. Chat with your doctor about pain management strategies that might work for you. What medications are worth considering? Are there non-medical options like physical therapy, acupuncture, or pelvic floor therapy that could help? And don’t forget lifestyle tweaks like anti-inflammatory diets, gentle movement, or heat therapy (hello, rae Heat Pad!) to create your ultimate pain management plan.

4. “How will endometriosis and its treatments affect my long-term health?”

It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now, but let’s talk about the future too. Endometriosis won’t just vanish with a quick fix, and your treatment choices can have lasting impacts on your health. For example, how might hormonal therapies affect you as you age? What are the long-term effects of surgery? And how could endometriosis play into your fertility journey later on? Having these answers gives you the clarity and confidence to plan ahead.

5. “Is it time for a second opinion or a specialist?”

Even if you love your doctor, don’t shy away from asking for a second opinion - especially with something as intricate as endo. Specialists in endometriosis can offer more targeted care, whether it’s excision surgery or advanced hormonal therapies, plus they might have access to treatments your GP doesn’t. If your current care plan isn’t quite cutting it, don’t hesitate to seek out a referral. Your health is way too important to settle for anything less than top-notch care.