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How to Talk to Your Doctor About Digestive Problems

December 26, 2025

If you’ve ever felt nervous or embarrassed to bring up digestive issues with your doctor, you’re not alone.

Stomach pain, bloating, gas, planning to keep a bathroom close by – all of these symptoms might be common, but that doesn’t make them easy to talk about. Many people delay or avoid these conversations because they worry they’ll sound dramatic, or they’ve gotten used to “just dealing with it.”

But the truth is that your digestive symptoms matter, and your doctor wants to help. The earlier you speak up, the sooner you can find relief and rule out anything serious.

Use Clarity and Symptoms

Even if your symptoms seem mild, if they’re interfering with your quality of life, your sleep, meals, work, or social life, they’re worth bringing up. Your doctor cannot help you if they do not know what you’re experiencing. “Lately, I’ve noticed more bloating and discomfort, and I’m not sure if it’s something to worry about.” You don’t need to have the medical terms. You just need to be honest. Try to keep track of your symptoms as you lead up to your appointment:

  • What symptoms you’re noticing (gas, pain, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn)
  • When they happen (after eating, in the morning, before bed, during stress)
  • How long it’s been going on (days, weeks, months)
  • What makes it better or worse (foods, medications, movement)

It’s common to say things like, “It’s probably just stress” or “I’m sure it is nothing.” Minimizing your symptoms can delay proper care. Let your doctor decide what’s “normal” your job is to report what’s true for you.

Digestive health can feel deeply personal, but it’s also incredibly common. Nearly 1 in 5 adults experiences ongoing GI symptoms. You’re not weak, dramatic, or “gross” for bringing them up and with information about your symptoms, your doctor can help get you on the road to feeling better this year.