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What is endometriosis?

What is endometriosis?

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What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. It can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, and other parts of the pelvis.

Each month, this tissue responds to hormones in the same way as the womb lining. But because it cannot leave the body in the usual way, it can cause inflammation, pain, and scar tissue.

Common symptoms

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, especially during periods. Some people also have pain during or after sex, pain when opening the bowels or passing urine, and heavy periods.

Other symptoms can include tiredness, bloating, nausea, and difficulty getting pregnant. Symptoms can vary a lot from person to person, and some people have severe pain while others have few symptoms.

How it affects daily life

Endometriosis can affect work, education, exercise, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Pain may be unpredictable, which can make planning everyday activities difficult.

Many people in the UK live with symptoms for years before they get a diagnosis. This can happen because period pain is sometimes dismissed as normal, even when it is severe or getting worse.

How it is diagnosed

If endometriosis is suspected, a GP may ask about symptoms and do an examination. They may also arrange an ultrasound scan, although this cannot always detect endometriosis.

In some cases, a specialist referral is needed. The only way to confirm endometriosis with certainty is usually through laparoscopy, a type of keyhole surgery.

Treatment options

There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include pain relief, hormone treatments such as the contraceptive pill, and in some cases surgery to remove endometriosis tissue.

What works best depends on the person and how severe their symptoms are. A doctor can help decide on the most suitable option, taking into account plans for pregnancy and overall health.

When to seek help

You should speak to a GP if period pain is severe, getting worse, or affecting your life. It is also important to get advice if you have pain during sex, bowel movements, or urination, or if you are struggling to conceive.

Early support can make a real difference. If you think you may have endometriosis, keeping a record of symptoms can help when you speak to a healthcare professional.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a long-term health problem.

It happens when tissue like the lining of the womb grows outside the womb.

This tissue can be on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, and other parts of the pelvis.

Each month, this tissue reacts to hormones. It acts like the womb lining.

But it cannot leave the body in the usual way. This can cause pain, swelling, and scar tissue.

Common symptoms

The main sign of endometriosis is pain in the lower tummy or pelvis. This is often worse during periods.

Some people also have:

• pain during or after sex

• pain when opening the bowels

• pain when passing urine

• heavy periods

Other signs can include:

• tiredness

• a bloated tummy

• feeling sick

• trouble getting pregnant

Symptoms can be different for each person. Some people have very bad pain. Other people have only a few symptoms.

How it affects daily life

Endometriosis can make everyday life harder.

It can affect work, school, exercise, relationships, and mental health.

Pain can come and go without warning. This can make planning hard.

Many people wait years before they get a diagnosis.

This can happen because period pain is sometimes seen as normal, even when it is very bad or getting worse.

It may help to use a symptom diary or a phone note to track pain, bleeding, and other signs. You could also use reminders on your phone to help you remember appointments.

How it is diagnosed

If a doctor thinks you may have endometriosis, they may ask about your symptoms and do an examination.

They may also arrange an ultrasound scan. But this does not always find endometriosis.

Sometimes you may need to see a specialist.

The only sure way to confirm endometriosis is usually a laparoscopy. This is a type of keyhole surgery.

It can help to bring a trusted person to your appointment. You can also write down your questions before you go.

Treatment options

There is no cure, but treatment can help with symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• pain relief

• hormone treatment, such as the contraceptive pill

• surgery to remove endometriosis tissue

What helps best depends on the person and how bad the symptoms are.

A doctor can help choose the best option. They will think about your overall health and whether you may want to get pregnant.

Simple support tools can help too, such as a heat pad, a calendar for tracking symptoms, or setting rest times in your day.

When to seek help

Speak to a GP if your period pain is severe, getting worse, or affecting your life.

You should also get advice if you have pain during sex, when opening your bowels, or when passing urine.

See a GP if you are having trouble getting pregnant.

Getting help early can make a real difference.

If you think you may have endometriosis, keep a record of your symptoms. This can help when you talk to a healthcare professional.

You may find it helpful to ask someone you trust to go with you to appointments, or to read information with you and explain it in simple words.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing pain and sometimes fertility problems.

Where does endometriosis usually grow?

It most commonly grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and tissue lining the pelvis, but it can appear elsewhere in the body.

What are the main symptoms of endometriosis?

Common symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex, heavy bleeding, pain with bowel movements or urination, and difficulty getting pregnant.

Can endometriosis be silent?

Yes, some people with endometriosis have few or no symptoms and may only discover it during fertility evaluation or surgery for another reason.

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause is not known, but possible factors include retrograde menstruation, immune system differences, hormonal influences, and genetic predisposition.

Is endometriosis the same as regular period pain?

No, endometriosis pain is often more severe, longer lasting, or occurs outside of periods, though it can sometimes be mistaken for normal menstrual cramps.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually starts with a medical history and exam, and may include imaging; laparoscopy is the most definitive way to confirm it.

Can ultrasound detect endometriosis?

Ultrasound can sometimes identify ovarian endometriomas or signs of deep endometriosis, but it cannot detect all forms of the condition.

What is a laparoscopy for endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that lets a doctor view the pelvis, confirm endometriosis, and sometimes remove or treat it.

Is endometriosis a cancer?

No, endometriosis is not cancer, but it is a chronic inflammatory condition that can still cause significant pain and health problems.

Can endometriosis affect fertility?

Yes, endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant by causing inflammation, scar tissue, blocked tubes, or problems with egg and sperm movement.

Does the severity of endometriosis always match the pain level?

No, some people with mild disease have severe pain, while others with more extensive endometriosis may have less noticeable symptoms.

Can endometriosis come back after treatment?

Yes, endometriosis can recur after surgery or other treatment, so many people need ongoing management.

How is endometriosis treated?

Treatment may include pain medicine, hormonal therapy, surgery, and fertility treatment, depending on symptoms and whether pregnancy is a goal.

Can birth control help endometriosis?

Yes, hormonal birth control can help reduce or control symptoms for many people by limiting menstrual bleeding and suppressing hormone-driven growth.

Does endometriosis only affect people during their periods?

No, symptoms can happen throughout the month, including chronic pelvic pain, bowel or bladder discomfort, fatigue, and pain during sex.

Can endometriosis cause digestive or bladder symptoms?

Yes, it can cause bloating, constipation, diarrhea, painful bowel movements, urinary urgency, or pain with urination, especially if lesions affect those areas.

Is there a cure for endometriosis?

There is no known cure, but many treatments can reduce pain, improve quality of life, and help with fertility.

Who can get endometriosis?

Anyone with endometrial-like tissue can get endometriosis, but it most often affects people of reproductive age who menstruate.

When should someone see a doctor for possible endometriosis?

A doctor should be seen if period pain is severe, symptoms interfere with daily life, pain persists outside periods, or pregnancy has not occurred after trying for a while.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a health problem that affects some people.

It happens when tissue like the lining inside the womb grows in the wrong place.

This can cause pain, heavy periods, and trouble having a baby.

If you think you may have it, speak to a doctor or nurse. You can also ask someone you trust to go with you, or use a note app to write down your symptoms first.

Endometriosis is a health condition.

It happens when tissue like the lining of the womb grows outside the womb.

This can cause pain.

It can also make it harder to have a baby.

If reading is hard, try using short breaks, a ruler or finger to keep your place, and ask someone to read it with you.

Where does endometriosis usually grow?

It often grows on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the outside of the womb, and the tissue that lines the pelvis.

It can also grow in other parts of the body.

If this is hard to read, it may help to read it slowly or ask someone to read it with you.

What are the main signs of endometriosis?

Common signs can include:

- Pain in the lower tummy or pelvis
- Painful periods
- Pain during sex
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Pain when using the toilet
- Trouble getting pregnant

If reading is hard, try pointing to each line as you read. It can also help to read with someone you trust, or use text-to-speech on your phone or computer.

Can endometriosis have no signs?

Yes. Some people with endometriosis have very few symptoms. Some people have no symptoms at all.

They may only find out they have it during a fertility check. Or they may find out during an operation for another reason.

If reading is hard, it can help to read one sentence at a time. You can also ask someone you trust to read it with you.

What causes endometriosis?

We do not know the exact cause of endometriosis yet.

It may happen because some body cells move to the wrong place and grow there.

Hormones may also play a part.

Some people may be more likely to get it because of their family.

If this is hard to read, it may help to:

  • read one sentence at a time
  • use a ruler or finger to follow the words
  • ask someone to read it with you

The exact cause is not known.

Possible reasons include:

  • Period blood flowing backwards into the body
  • The immune system not working in the usual way
  • Hormones
  • Family history

If you find this hard to read, it may help to use short breaks, read one line at a time, or ask someone to read it with you.

Is endometriosis the same as normal period pain?

No, endometriosis pain is often worse than normal period pain.

It can last for a long time.

It can also happen at times other than your period.

Sometimes people think it is normal period cramp pain.

If you find the pain hard to manage, it may help to use a pain diary, a heat pad, and talk to a doctor or nurse.

How do doctors find out if you have endometriosis?

A doctor usually starts by asking about your health history and by doing an examination.

You may also have scans or pictures taken of the inside of your body.

The best test to confirm it is laparoscopy. This is a small operation that lets the doctor look inside your body.

It can help to write down your symptoms before your appointment. You may also want to bring a trusted person with you. If it helps, ask the doctor to use simple words and to explain things step by step.

Can an ultrasound show endometriosis?

An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to make pictures inside your body.

It can sometimes show signs of endometriosis.

But it does not always find it. Some endometriosis is too small to see.

A doctor may also use other tests and ask about your symptoms.

If you find tests hard, you can ask for:

  • simple words
  • short steps
  • someone to go with you for support
  • extra time to ask questions

Ultrasound can sometimes find ovarian endometriomas. It can also sometimes show deep endometriosis. But it cannot find all types of endometriosis.

What is a laparoscopy for endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is a small operation.

A doctor uses a tiny camera to look inside the pelvis.

This can help the doctor check for endometriosis.

The doctor may also remove or treat it during the same operation.

It can help to use short notes, pictures, or ask someone you trust to explain the steps.

Is endometriosis a type of cancer?

No, endometriosis is not cancer.

It is a long-term health condition. It can cause swelling inside the body.

It can also cause strong pain and other health problems.

If you find it hard to read or understand this, try reading it with a trusted person. You can also use text-to-speech tools, read one line at a time, or ask a doctor or nurse to explain it in simple words.

Can endometriosis make it harder to have a baby?

Yes, endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant.

This is because it can cause swelling, scar tissue, blocked tubes, or problems with how the egg and sperm move.

If you find reading hard, it can help to:

  • read the text slowly
  • take breaks
  • ask someone to read it with you
  • use text-to-speech tools

Does the seriousness of endometriosis always match the pain?

No. Some people with mild disease can have a lot of pain. Other people with more endometriosis may have little or no pain.

Can endometriosis come back after treatment?

Yes, endometriosis can come back after surgery or other treatment.

Many people need care over time to help manage it.

How is endometriosis treated?

Endometriosis can be treated in different ways.

Doctors may suggest pain medicine. They may also suggest hormone medicine. This can help to reduce pain and slow down endometriosis.

Sometimes, an operation is needed. A doctor may remove or destroy the extra tissue.

It can help to keep a note of your symptoms. This can show when the pain is worse.

You can also use simple tools to help you cope. These may include a hot water bottle, a calendar, or a phone app to track pain.

Always talk to a doctor or nurse about the best treatment for you.

Treatment may include medicine to help with pain. It may also include hormone treatment, surgery, or treatment to help with getting pregnant.

Can birth control help with endometriosis?

Yes. Hormonal birth control can help some people feel better.

It may:

- make periods lighter
- help control pain
- slow down growth caused by hormones

If you find it hard to read health information, you can ask someone you trust to read it with you. It may also help to use short notes, pictures, or a highlighter to mark key words.

Does endometriosis only happen during periods?

No, symptoms can happen at any time in the month. They can include:

- long-lasting pain in the pelvis
- pain or discomfort when you use the toilet
- tiredness
- pain during sex

If these symptoms are hard to cope with, it can help to keep a simple diary of when they happen. A calendar, reminder app, or notes on your phone can also help you spot patterns. If you are worried, speak to a doctor or nurse.

Can endometriosis cause tummy or bladder problems?

Yes. It can cause a swollen tummy, constipation, diarrhoea, and pain when you poo.

It can also make you need to pee quickly. It may hurt when you pee.

If this happens, it can help to drink water, eat simple foods with fibre, and keep a note of your symptoms.

If the pain is bad, or the symptoms do not go away, speak to a doctor or nurse. They can help you find the right support.

Can endometriosis be cured?

There is no cure for endometriosis yet.

But there are treatments that can help. These can ease pain and help you feel better.

It can also help to use simple tools, like a calendar or phone app, to track your symptoms. A trusted doctor, nurse, or support person can also help you understand your choices.

There is no known cure.

But there are treatments that can help.

They can reduce pain.

They can improve quality of life.

They can also help with fertility.

Support tools can help too.

For example, use simple notes, reminders, and support from a doctor or nurse.

Who can get endometriosis?

Anyone with tissue like the lining of the womb can get endometriosis.

It most often affects people who have periods and can have children.

When should someone see a doctor if they may have endometriosis?

A doctor should be seen if period pain is very bad.

A doctor should also be seen if the pain makes daily life hard.

See a doctor if the pain still happens when you are not on your period.

See a doctor if pregnancy has not happened after trying for some time.

Things that may help are a heat pad, rest, and gentle exercise.

A pain diary can also help. Write down when the pain starts, how bad it is, and what helps.

Useful Links

Useful Links : What is endometriosis?
NHS: Endometriosis

NHS overview of endometriosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Endometriosis UK: What is Endometriosis?

Charity guide explaining what endometriosis is and how it can affect people.
RCOG: Endometriosis

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists patient information on endometriosis.
British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy: Endometriosis

UK specialist society information about endometriosis and treatment options.
NHS Inform: Endometriosis

NHS Scotland information on what endometriosis is, symptoms and treatment.
The Hysterectomy Association: Endometriosis

UK charity information page covering endometriosis basics and support.
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