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:
- pain in your lower tummy and back (pelvic area)
- pain during or after sex
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
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.
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:
- painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
- hormones, such as the combined contraceptive pill – these can help ease pain
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
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.
Help and support for endometriosis
Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to 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
- Website: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/
- Helpline: 0808 808 2227
- Endometriosis UK: web chat
- Endometriosis UK: online community
- Endometriosis UK: support groups
The Endometriosis Foundation
Page last reviewed: 27 August 2024
Next review due: 27 August 2027