Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age¹

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.²

Endometriosis mainly affects girls and women of childbearing age. It is a recognized cause of infertility.²

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic or abdominal pain that are severe in a significant proportion of patients.²

What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?

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

The main symptoms of endometriosis are:³

Pain in lower abdomen or back (pelvic pain) – which is usually worse during period
Period pain that stops women doing their normal activities
Pain when opening bowels, particularly during periods
Pain with urination
Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhea, or blood in urine or stools during period
Feeling unusually fatigued
Difficulty getting pregnant²

Find out about your symptoms through AI (open in new window)

What happens next?

You will be asked about your symptoms and may undergo a physical examination of the lower abdomen.

Further tests may include:

Ultrasound scan
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
Diagnostic laparoscopy - only necessary for selected cases where the results of the imaging scans are not sufficient

How is Endometriosis treated?

Endometriosis can be treated in the following way:⁴

Painkillers – such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
Hormone medicines and contraceptives – including the combined pill, the contraceptive patch, an intrauterine system (IUS), and medicines called gonadotrophinreleasing hormone (GnRH) analogues.
Surgery to cut away or destroy patches of endometriosis tissue.

Videos

Understanding Endometriosis

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Learn from doctors about Endometriosis

Don't neglect your own well being

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms make time to consult your doctor or healthcare professional.

1. Rogers PAW et al. Priorities for Endometriosis Research: Recommendations From an International Consensus Workshop. Reprod Sci 2009;16:335‑346. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1933719108330568

2. NHS website. (2022, March 10). Endometriosis. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/

3. Simoens, S., Hummelshoj, L., Dunselman, G., Dirksen, C., Endocost Consortium, W., & D’Hooghe, T. (2011). PIH20 the Burden of Endometriosis: Costs and Quality of Life of Women with Endometriosis Treated in Referral Centres. Value in Health, 14(7), A401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2011.08.924

4. Endometriosis Guideline of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Development Group 2022