Endometriosis

Need to know

• Symptoms of endometriosis icon plus

  • pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvis) that usually gets worse during your period
  • intense period pain that interrupts your day-to-day activities
  • pain during and/or after sex
  • pain when urinating or passing stools during your period
  • sickness, upset stomach or blood in your urine during your period
  • fertility problems

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms. Once you are feeling comfortable they may perform a physical examination of your vagina and tummy. If they are unable to determine whether you have endometriosis they may refer you for some tests:

  • An ultrasound. This is to detect endometrial tissue elsewhere in the body than the womb.
  • Keyhole surgery. Your consultant may pass a thin tube with a camera through a small cut in your skin so they can look for any endometrial tissue.

  It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis. Symptoms vary considerably and may appear similar to other conditions.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, but symptoms can be managed with the following treatments:

  • over-the-counter painkillers
  • hormone medicines and contraceptives
  • keyhole surgery to remove the endometrial tissue found elsewhere in the body
  • surgery to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis, such as the womb (hysterectomy)