Irritable Uterus

Went to the ER last night because I was having consistent painful contractions (3 to 4 mins apart lasting for a min) for over two hours. I’ve been at 1 cm for a week and after being monitored we figured out the contractions weren’t making me dilate. Doc said I have an irritable uterus. It’s the next day and they’re still painful and consistent only they’re about 5 min apart. Anyone else experience this? And how do you know when you’re in real labor?