What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a long-term condition that can harm women of any age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb startis to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

It is misunderstood and can take up to seven years to diagnose.

One massively overlooked consequence of endometriosis is the associated mental health issues. Pain can leave you debilitated and getting a full diagnosis can be waring. That is why we are here to help.

The NHS Choices site defines the symptoms of endometriosis to be:

• pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
• period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
• pain during or after sex
• pain when peeing or pooing during your period
• feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
• difficulty getting pregnant

You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through your clothes.

There's currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms.

Treatments include:

• painkillers – such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
• hormone medicines and contraceptives – including the combined pill, the contraceptive patch, an intrauterine system (IUS), and medicines called gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues
• surgery to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue
• an operation to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis – such as surgery to remove the womb (hysterectomyYour doctor will discuss the options with you. Sometimes they may suggest not starting treatment immediately to see if your symptoms improve on their own.