What happens at your appointment

You will have the opportunity to talk to a doctor about what you have been experiencing.

You may have an examination, if it is necessary and you are comfortable with it.

You and your doctor will decide on the next steps together - these might include tests, treatment or other ways to help manage your pain.

Getting ready for your appointment

Pelvic pain can be complex, and appointment times are limited.

To make the most of your time with the doctor, please take the steps below to prepare for your appointment.

Step 1: Watch the videos

Please watch all these videos in the following order:

1 Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain. What's really causing my pain?

2 Is Endometriosis causing my pain?

3 Will surgery be helpful for me?

4 What is the role of hormones in managing chronic pelvic pain?

Optional - please watch these videos if they apply to you:

5 Chronic pelvic pain and fertility

6 Why does my vulva continue to be painful?

Step 2: Read the information leaflets (if relevant)

[Leaflet uploads pending]

After watching videos 3 and 4 you may decide that you would like to know more about hormone therapies or surgery.

If this is the case, please read the relevant leaflet(s) to help you consider your decision and prepare questions to discuss with the doctor.

The leaflets are:

Hormone options for pelvic pain

What do I need to know if I would like to consider a surgical approach to investigating or managing pelvic pain?

Step 3: Fill in the form

Please complete the form that arrived with your letter and bring it to your appointment.

Step 4: Complete the questionnaires

We will send you links to the questionnaires through the Patient Portal. If you are not yet registered for this service but would like to be, please contact the Gynaecology Department.

If you do not want to register for the Patient Portal, we will send you a link via email or ask you to complete the questionnaires on the day of your appointment.

If you have not completed the questionnaires before your appointment, please arrive an additional 30 minutes early to allow time to do this.

The information you provide in your responses gives us a fuller picture of your pain and its impact on you and your life.

If you have concerns about any of the questions or need help completing them, please let us know - we're here to help.

Important

We will still see you if you have not had time to prepare, but the appointment time is the same either way and we cannot offer additional time if you have not prepared.

Preparing beforehand means you will get the most from your appointment, feel less rushed and can make better decisions about your care.