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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis can affect women of any age.

It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

Symptoms of endometriosis

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are:

  • pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
  • period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
  • pain during or after sex
  • pain when peeing or pooing during your period
  • feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
  • difficulty getting pregnant

You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through your clothes.

For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to feelings of depression.

When to see a GP

See a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life.

It may help to write down your symptoms before seeing a doctor.

Endometriosis UK has a pain and symptoms diary (PDF, 238kb) you can use.

It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

A GP will ask about your symptoms, and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina.

They may recommend treatments if they think you have endometriosis.

If these do not help, they might refer you to a specialist called a gynaecologist for some further tests, such as an ultrasound scan or laparoscopy.

A laparoscopy is where a surgeon passes a thin tube through a small cut in your tummy so they can see any patches of endometriosis tissue.

This is the only way to be certain you have endometriosis.

Treatments for endometriosis

There's currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms.

Treatments include:

  • painkillers – such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
  • hormone medicines and contraceptives – including the combined pill, the contraceptive patch, an intrauterine system (IUS), and medicines called gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues
  • surgery to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue
  • an operation to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis – such as surgery to remove the womb (hysterectomy)

Your doctor will discuss the options with you. Sometimes they may suggest not starting treatment immediately to see if your symptoms improve on their own.

Further problems caused by endometriosis

One of the main complications of endometriosis is difficulty getting pregnant or not being able to get pregnant at all (infertility).

Surgery to remove endometriosis tissue can help improve your chances of getting pregnant, although there's no guarantee that you'll be able to get pregnant after treatment.

Surgery for endometriosis can also sometimes cause further problems, such as infections, bleeding or damage to affected organs.

If surgery is recommended for you, talk to your surgeon about the possible risks.

Find out more about the complications of endometriosis

Living with endometriosis

Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, both physically and emotionally.

As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to contact a support group, such as Endometriosis UK, for information and advice.

In addition to detailed information about endometriosis, Endometriosis UK has a directory of local support groups, a helpline on 0808 808 2227, and an online community for women affected by the condition.

Causes of endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is not known.

Several theories have been suggested, including:

  • genetics – the condition tends to run in families, and affects people of certain ethnic groups more than others
  • retrograde menstruation – when some of the womb lining flows up through the fallopian tubes and embeds itself on the organs of the pelvis, rather than leaving the body as a period
  • a problem with the immune system, the body's natural defence against illness and infection
  • endometrium cells spreading through the body in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a series of tubes and glands that form part of the immune system

But none of these theories fully explain why endometriosis happens.

It's likely the condition is caused by a combination of different factors.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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12,902 public posts

Advise regarding pain needed

I am posting on here as I have suspected endometriosis but am awaiting a gynaecology appointment and lap. however I am not very clued up on endometriosis and my gp isn't helpful. can endometriosis call pain all the time?
I am posting on here as I have suspected endometriosis but am awaiting a gynaecology appointment and lap. however I am not very clued up on endometriosis and my gp isn't helpful. can endometriosis call pain all the time?
HL1988
in Endometriosis UK

mild endometriosis?

the last year now, along with very bad periods and other issues. i have had multiple ultrasounds and an mri/ct scan (as well as 2 colonoscopies and endoscopies) and apparently nothing abnormal showed up, which is so confusing to me as my symptoms are so bad. my gyno has told me that it may be mild endometriosis
the last year now, along with very bad periods and other issues. i have had multiple ultrasounds and an mri/ct scan (as well as 2 colonoscopies and endoscopies) and apparently nothing abnormal showed up, which is so confusing to me as my symptoms are so bad. my gyno has told me that it may be mild endometriosis
avavs777
in Endometriosis UK

Diaphragmatic endometriosis

Hi All, had a laparoscopy and excision this week and was diagnosed with diaphragmatic endometriosis as well as pelvic endo. Diaphragmatic endo is apparently very rare, out of curiosity does any one else have experience with this? Thank you x
Hi All, had a laparoscopy and excision this week and was diagnosed with diaphragmatic endometriosis as well as pelvic endo. Diaphragmatic endo is apparently very rare, out of curiosity does any one else have experience with this? Thank you x
Pinkbear27
in Endometriosis UK
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Bowel endometriosis?

I wanted to see which kind of symptoms others were experiencing with bowel endometriosis? Thank you x
I wanted to see which kind of symptoms others were experiencing with bowel endometriosis? Thank you x
Jawaireyam
in Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis sufferers

Just wanting to connect with other women with endometriosis 👏
Just wanting to connect with other women with endometriosis 👏
Belfast_endo_girl
in Endometriosis UK

Severe endometriosis and infertility

I haven't been oficially diagnosed with the disease, however judging from my symptoms and a large endometrioma it is endometriosis. The pain I'm getting from the endometrioma is getting worse and worse and flares up after certain food or alcohol, I noticed.
I haven't been oficially diagnosed with the disease, however judging from my symptoms and a large endometrioma it is endometriosis. The pain I'm getting from the endometrioma is getting worse and worse and flares up after certain food or alcohol, I noticed.
xx_amelia_xx
in Endometriosis UK

Herbal remedies for endometriosis

I have been looking into HERBAL REMEDIES which can naturally help eliminate endometriosis. Has anyone else looked into this?
I have been looking into HERBAL REMEDIES which can naturally help eliminate endometriosis. Has anyone else looked into this?
Endo_enemy
in Endometriosis UK

My doctor answered

This was happening only endometriosis affected women (white discharge with blood) during combination pill. This is true? Or incorrect. White discharge with blood happening to all women during combination pill? Or only endometriosis patients? Please answer and clear. Thank to all endometriosis women
This was happening only endometriosis affected women (white discharge with blood) during combination pill. This is true? Or incorrect. White discharge with blood happening to all women during combination pill? Or only endometriosis patients? Please answer and clear. Thank to all endometriosis women
Nikilll
in Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis Information and Support

/endometriosis-treatment.
/endometriosis-treatment.
Lynne_supportAdministrator
in Endometriosis UK

Tracking Symptoms

I'm 31 and I was diagnosed with endometriosis in November when I had a laparoscopy with excision. There is also suspected endometriosis leading into my bowel which could not be dealt with in surgery on that day. My mission currently is to try to track symptoms.
I'm 31 and I was diagnosed with endometriosis in November when I had a laparoscopy with excision. There is also suspected endometriosis leading into my bowel which could not be dealt with in surgery on that day. My mission currently is to try to track symptoms.
CaptainJemima
in Endometriosis UK

Utrogestan

Hello everyone, has anyone taken utrogestan a natural progestrone, to help with endometriosis not specially for HRT purposes? which seems to be how it is generally prescribed. I am 43 and considering this as an alternative to the pill.
Hello everyone, has anyone taken utrogestan a natural progestrone, to help with endometriosis not specially for HRT purposes? which seems to be how it is generally prescribed. I am 43 and considering this as an alternative to the pill.
Allerton42
in Endometriosis UK

Sign petition for more research funding endometriosis and pcos Houses of Parliament

Please every one sign this petition it would be so appreciated by me for us women who are suffering or have family or friends who suffer from endometriosis and PCOS, it can be a daily struggle, I have had stage4 severe endometriosis, have had numerous surgeries to help remove it but it is a lifelong
Please every one sign this petition it would be so appreciated by me for us women who are suffering or have family or friends who suffer from endometriosis and PCOS, it can be a daily struggle, I have had stage4 severe endometriosis, have had numerous surgeries to help remove it but it is a lifelong
Immy1992
in Endometriosis UK

Private health cover for endometriosis

My daughter recently had her first laporoscopy at the age of 20 which showed up endometriosis. We were lucky enough to get her treatment done privately through my husband’s work health cover. Once she leaves college next year she will not be covered anymore.
My daughter recently had her first laporoscopy at the age of 20 which showed up endometriosis. We were lucky enough to get her treatment done privately through my husband’s work health cover. Once she leaves college next year she will not be covered anymore.
Percytimms
in Endometriosis UK

Getting a Diagnosis

For many women getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can be a big hurdle to overcome. The Endometriosis UK website has lots of practical information about what to do and say when seeing your GP or specialist, plus information about the NICE guidelines on endometriosis.
For many women getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can be a big hurdle to overcome. The Endometriosis UK website has lots of practical information about what to do and say when seeing your GP or specialist, plus information about the NICE guidelines on endometriosis.
Lynne_supportAdministrator
in Endometriosis UK

Best GP for endometriosis in London

Hello All, I've recently moved to London and was already diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis earlier this year. Please help me with the best GP practitioners to register with for Endometriosis. I understand it is preferable to register within our surroundings but any suggestions are welcome.
Hello All, I've recently moved to London and was already diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis earlier this year. Please help me with the best GP practitioners to register with for Endometriosis. I understand it is preferable to register within our surroundings but any suggestions are welcome.
Meg_2822
in Endometriosis UK

Morning sickness?

Hi all, Does anyone here suffer from morning sickness due to their endometriosis? I have stage 4 endo meaning I have to have regular keyhole but my operation has been pushed back from November to April due to covid and I’m really starting to feel the effects of it.
Hi all, Does anyone here suffer from morning sickness due to their endometriosis? I have stage 4 endo meaning I have to have regular keyhole but my operation has been pushed back from November to April due to covid and I’m really starting to feel the effects of it.
Lolpolaza
in Endometriosis UK

Have you listened/read the book “vagina problems”

All the challenges, pain, effects, etc of endometriosis. It’s good to see women sharing their story, its the only way to change things and make sure that next generation won’t have the same diagnosis problems as us. And maybe there’ll be more researches on female problems.
All the challenges, pain, effects, etc of endometriosis. It’s good to see women sharing their story, its the only way to change things and make sure that next generation won’t have the same diagnosis problems as us. And maybe there’ll be more researches on female problems.
happyseal
in Endometriosis UK

I need clarification and difference between

Which one is good for endometriosis? Thank you to all
Which one is good for endometriosis? Thank you to all
Nikilll
in Endometriosis UK

Melasma and Endometriosis

Has anyone developed melasma (skin discolouration) from the contraceptive pill or as a result of having endometriosis. If so how have you managed to treat this?
Has anyone developed melasma (skin discolouration) from the contraceptive pill or as a result of having endometriosis. If so how have you managed to treat this?
Ziyahaze
in Endometriosis UK

Really light period after IVF failure?

Normally I’m really heavy for a couple of days with bad period pain (I have endometriosis) but I’ve got no cramps either. It’s odd and I’m worrying that it should be coming out but isn’t, my lining was apparently quite thick before ET. Anyone else has this?
Normally I’m really heavy for a couple of days with bad period pain (I have endometriosis) but I’ve got no cramps either. It’s odd and I’m worrying that it should be coming out but isn’t, my lining was apparently quite thick before ET. Anyone else has this?
Emma672
in Fertility Network UK
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