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Women's health

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the womb, causing pain that often tracks the menstrual cycle. It affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK and frequently takes years to diagnose.

Key points

The essentials at a glance.

What to look out for, who treats it, and what usually happens next.

  • Typical symptoms: painful periods, pelvic pain between periods, pain during or after sex, painful bowel movements and fatigue

  • Pain that stops you working, studying or socialising is not normal and deserves investigation

  • See your GP if period pain does not respond to simple painkillers or is getting worse; ask about referral to a gynaecologist with an interest in endometriosis

  • Diagnosis may involve pelvic examination, ultrasound or MRI; laparoscopy remains the definitive test

  • Treatment options range from hormonal therapy and pain management to laparoscopic excision surgery

  • Endometriosis can affect fertility, so mention any plans for pregnancy early in the conversation

Understanding it

About Endometriosis.

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb implants on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder or the lining of the pelvis. Each month this tissue responds to hormones just as the womb lining does, causing inflammation, scarring and pain. Common symptoms include severe period pain, chronic pelvic pain, deep pain during sex, painful bowel movements or urination during periods, heavy bleeding and fatigue, and for some women difficulty conceiving.

Diagnosis starts with a careful history and examination, usually followed by a transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic MRI; a laparoscopy (keyhole inspection of the pelvis) is the definitive test and allows treatment at the same time. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and fertility plans, and may include hormonal treatments, specialist pain management, or excision surgery in an endometriosis centre. In the UK you can start with your GP: on the NHS, a routine referral to a specialist clinic often means waiting 20–45 weeks or more to be seen, while a private consultant will typically see you within around two weeks, with any tests arranged soon after.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Endometriosis.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What is endometriosis?

    Endometriosis is a diagnosis used by clinicians to describe a specific pattern of symptoms or findings. It's usually confirmed after a proper assessment, since several conditions can look similar at first.

  • How do you catch endometriosis?

    Endometriosis is caused by an infectious organism, and the route of transmission and risk factors depend on the specific pathogen involved. Your clinician can explain how it's usually acquired and whether any particular exposure, travel history or underlying vulnerability is relevant in your case.

  • How would I know if I have endometriosis?

    Symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.

  • Is endometriosis serious or dangerous?

    Most cases of endometriosis are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.

  • Can endometriosis spread to other people?

    Whether endometriosis can be passed on to others depends on the specific organism responsible and the stage of illness. Your clinician can advise on any precautions worth taking around family members, colleagues or close contacts.

  • Can endometriosis be treated or prevented?

    Endometriosis can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.

  • What treatment options are available for endometriosis?

    Management of endometriosis is individualised, ranging from conservative measures and monitoring through to more active medical or surgical treatment depending on how it's affecting you. A clear diagnosis is the first step towards choosing the right approach.

  • How long does endometriosis last?

    The outlook for endometriosis varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.

  • What else could endometriosis be mistaken for?

    Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to endometriosis, clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.

  • When should I see a doctor about endometriosis, and how quickly can I be seen privately?

    It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of endometriosis are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.