Endometriosis
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Womb-like tissue grows outside the uterus
- Can affect ovaries, bowel, bladder, and other areas
- Causes severe pain, heavy periods, and fatigue
- No cure, but treatments manage symptoms
- Diagnosis can take time due to similar symptoms to other conditions
Overview
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. These patches can be found in areas around the womb, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, but also sometimes affect organs like the bladder and bowel, or even areas outside the pelvis like the chest. Symptoms occur when these patches break down and bleed but cannot leave your body, leading to pain and inflammation. This can significantly impact daily life, work, and relationships, causing severe pain, heavy periods, and extreme tiredness. While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms. It commonly affects women and girls from the start of their periods through to menopause, though symptoms can persist after menopause.
Signs and Symptoms
- Severe period pain
- Heavy periods
- Lower tummy and back pain
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when pooing or peeing
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Low mood or anxiety
- Pain or bleeding in other areas, like the chest
Things That Increase the Risk
- Being a woman or girl
- Having a womb
- Family history of endometriosis
- Being in reproductive age (puberty to menopause)
Diagnosis
- GP asks about symptoms and family history
- Physical examination, including internal vaginal exam
- Blood tests
- Referral to a gynaecologist
- Ultrasound scan (tummy or vaginal)
- MRI scan
- Laparoscopy (camera through small cut in tummy)
Treatment & Management
- Painkillers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Hormone therapy (e.g., combined contraceptive pill)
- Surgery to remove endometriosis patches or cysts
- Surgery to remove womb (hysterectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy)
- Surgery to remove parts of bladder or bowel if affected
- Support for managing long-term pain and fatigue
- Referral to a fertility specialist
- Mental health support for low mood or anxiety
Prevention
- Seek medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms
- Discuss symptoms with a doctor early for timely diagnosis
- Manage pain and fatigue effectively with prescribed treatments
- Utilize mental health support if experiencing low mood or anxiety
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Endometriosis:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Endometriosis:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Women and girls with a womb
Prevalence
Common during reproductive years
Diagnosis
Physical exam, scans, laparoscopy
Treatment
Pain relief, hormone therapy, surgery
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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