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Real members of MyEndometriosisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Any recommendations on explaining to OB Dr postpartum that my periods feel like being 9.5cm dilated in labor?

A MyEndometriosisTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Francisco, CA

I recently gave birth and almost didn’t go to the hospital in time because I was expecting the pain to be worse. It felt like a typical period and I was talking through the contractions the whole time…turns out I was 9.5cm and only about an hour and half away from pushing (and pushing was significantly less painful). I’m furious that this is the level of pain I’ve been going through since I was 11 yrs old and all I’ve been offered in treatment is a hysterectomy, Orlissa or anxiety medication… read more

February 21
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MyEndometriosisTeam

How can you help your OB understand that your period pain is as severe as being 9.5cm dilated in labor?

Your comparison is incredibly powerful and concrete. Using your recent labor experience as a reference point gives your doctor a shared medical framework to understand your pain level. Instead of abstract pain scales Show Full Answer

How can you help your OB understand that your period pain is as severe as being 9.5cm dilated in labor?

Your comparison is incredibly powerful and concrete. Using your recent labor experience as a reference point gives your doctor a shared medical framework to understand your pain level. Instead of abstract pain scales, you're describing pain in terms they can clinically understand.

Consider framing the conversation around how pain impacts your daily life:

• Can you work, drive, or care for your baby during your period?
• Does the pain wake you from sleep or keep you awake?
• Are you able to do basic activities around the house?
• How many days per month are you unable to function normally?

You might also keep a pain diary or use an app to track your symptoms between now and your appointment. This gives your doctor concrete data to review rather than relying on memory during a brief visit.

Most importantly, be direct about what you need: "I need a diagnostic plan to find the cause of this pain, not just medication to mask it. My labor experience proved this pain level is real and severe."

A MyEndometriosisTeam member shared that finding a doctor who "takes my symptoms seriously" made all the difference. You deserve a provider who listens and investigates rather than dismisses your experience. If this doctor doesn't respond appropriately, it may be time to seek a specialist who treats endometriosis specifically.

February 21

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