Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the reproductive system, such as the ovaries. It is a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life.
It can affect people of any age, and there are currently around 1.5 million people in the UK who have endometriosis. There is no cure, but treatments can improve the symptoms.
What are the main symptoms of endometriosis? And when should you see a GP?
READ MORE: Why is my period pain so bad? Causes of severe pain and what you can do.
Symptoms
The six main symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back which gets worse during your period
- Period pain that stops you from doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when using the toilet during your period
- Feeling sick, constipation, or diarrhoea during your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
You may also have heavy periods. Your flow could bleed through tampons, pads, and clothing. Endometriosis can have a big impact on your life and may sometimes lead to feelings of depression.
When to see your GP
See a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life. It may help to write down your symptoms in a diary before seeing a doctor. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose endometriosis, because the symptoms can vary considerably, and could be explained by other conditions.
Your doctor will go through your symptoms and may examine your abdomen and vagina. If they think you have endometriosis, they can recommend treatments. If these do not help, they might refer you to a gynaecologist for some further tests, such as an ultrasound scan or laparoscopy.
A laparoscopy is where a surgeon passes a thin tube through a small cut in your tummy so they can see any patches of endometriosis tissue. This is the only way to be certain you have endometriosis.
Treatments
There's currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms, such as:
- Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Hormone medicines and contraceptives
- Surgery to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue
- An operation to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis - such as a hysterectomy
What causes endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is not known. However, there are several theories including genetics and immune problems. It is likely that the condition is caused by a combination of factors.
