Medically Reviewed by Merritt King, III, MD

You experience pain in the area south of your belly button. In general, physicians describe it as “pelvic pain.” The causes could be anything from indigestion to endometriosis.

“You may have tried some over-the-counter medications,” says McLeod Gynecologist Merritt King, III, MD. “But when that pain gets worse or keeps you from socializing, sports or other daily activities, it’s time to see a physician. You can make your appointment more useful to both you and your physician by preparing beforehand.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Be ready to describe your pain by answering these questions:

• Where exactly do you feel the pain?
• On a scale of 1-to-10, how bad is the pain?
• Is the pain in one place or broader?
• Is there a time of day the pain is worse?
• When did it start and how long have you had it?
• What, if anything, seems to trigger the pain?
• Is it associated with your period, intercourse or exercise?
• How often do you feel it?

You may want to write you answers down at home while you have plenty of time.

YOUR MEDICATIONS

Generally, you’ll be asked to fill out some information before you see the Gynecologist. One piece of information they’ll want is a list of the medications you are currently taking.

If you have a camera on your phone, snap pictures of your pill bottles and take those with you, as well.

YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE DOCTOR

Here are some questions you want to make sure the Gynecologist answers for you:

• What do you think the problem might be?
• What are the possible causes?
• Can it be cured or controlled?
• Can diet and exercise help reduce my pain?
• Can we treat it with medication?
  • If so, are there serious side effects?
• Will I need surgery?
  • How long would my recovery take until I can return to work or my life?
• How long will I need to be treated? How long until I feel better?

Write down your list and bring the pad along to your appointment. This way you can make notes on what the doctor says to you.

IN THE WAITING ROOM

After you check in with the receptionist, review your answers that you may have for the Gynecologist’s questions. Before you look through the old magazines, go over the list of questions you have for the physician.
You may also find these articles helpful:

Preventing Pelvic Prolapse & Incontinence after Pregnancy

Pelvic Health – Problems are More Than Physical, Affect Your Whole Life

Find a Gynecologist near you.

Sources include: McLeod Health, National Institutes of Health, International Pelvic Pain Society, Global Forum on Endometriosis, University of Chicago Hospitals, National University Hospitals Women’s Centre, Endometriosis Foundation of America