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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. It can have a big impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

Diagram of the womb area, showing the womb, womb lining, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes. There are small patches of endometriosis on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the outside of the womb.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis usually grows in areas around the womb, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also affect organs such as the bladder and bowel.

Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period but cannot leave your body.

You might have some symptoms during your period, such as:

  • severe period pain, that stops you from doing your normal activities
  • heavy periods, where you need to change your pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
  • pain when you poo or pee

You can have other symptoms at any time in your menstrual cycle, such as:

You may also have difficulty getting pregnant and have low mood or anxiety.

Endometriosis is commonly diagnosed in women and girls, from when their periods start (puberty) through to menopause. It can affect anyone who has periods.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you think you might have endometriosis
  • your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work and relationships
  • you've had treatment from a GP but your symptoms do not get better, or get worse

Tests for endometriosis

It can take a long time to diagnose endometriosis. You might need several different tests to find out if you have it.

This is because endometriosis symptoms can be similar to other conditions, such as:

What happens at your GP appointment

A GP will ask about your symptoms and may ask to do:

  • a physical examination (including an internal vaginal exam) – to check your tummy (abdomen) and your pelvic area
  • blood tests

Give your GP as much information about your symptoms as you can.

If they think you might have endometriosis, your GP may:

  • refer you to a specialist called a gynaecologist for further tests
  • offer medicines to help relieve your symptoms

Further tests

Further tests for endometriosis include:

  • an ultrasound scan – this may be an internal vaginal scan
  • a procedure called a laparoscopy (where a camera is passed through a small cut in your tummy) – this can confirm if you have endometriosis

It may be possible for doctors to remove any areas of endometriosis during your laparoscopy.

Information:

Find out more

Treatments for endometriosis

It’s not known what causes endometriosis and there are currently no treatments that can cure it. But treatment can help manage symptoms such as pain.

Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and possible side effects of each treatment.

If treatment is not working or your symptoms are very severe, you may be referred to a specialist endometriosis service.

Medicines for endometriosis

Medicines are often the first treatment for endometriosis. They include:

Surgery for endometriosis

If other treatments are not working or you have lots of endometriosis, you may be offered surgery. Surgery is also an option if endometriosis is affecting your ability to have children.

You can have surgery to:

  • remove areas of endometriosis or fluid-filled sacs (ovarian cysts) caused by endometriosis
  • remove your womb (hysterectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy)
  • remove part of your bladder or bowel, if endometriosis is affecting these

You may need to have more surgeries if your symptoms come back after your first surgery, or if surgery causes scarring that makes your organs to stick together (adhesions).

Support for living with endometriosis

Treatment and support are also available for other problems caused by endometriosis.

Support you might need includes:

  • advice on ways to manage long-term pain and extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • referral to a fertility specialist if you have difficulty getting pregnant
  • mental health support if you have low mood or anxiety
Information:

Find out more

How endometriosis affects your life

Endometriosis is different for everyone.

Treatment usually helps manage symptoms of endometriosis.

But you may have long lasting symptoms that can affect your daily life, work and relationships for many years.

Symptoms of endometriosis usually stop after the menopause – although it's possible to have symptoms after menopause.

Information:

Find out more

Help and support for endometriosis

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

As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with endometriosis or a support organisation such as Endometriosis UK or The Endometriosis Foundation.

Endometriosis UK

The Endometriosis Foundation

Page last reviewed: 27 August 2024
Next review due: 27 August 2027