Endometriosis
Endometriosis causes chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, and can affect fertility. It affects 1 in 10 women and is significantly underdiagnosed — the average time to diagnosis is 7–10 years. If you suspect endometriosis, speaking to a doctor early matters.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue implants and grows outside the uterus. This tissue responds to hormonal cycles in the same way as the womb lining — thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle — but with no way to exit the body. This causes inflammation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions that can affect the function of pelvic organs.
Endometriosis is not just painful periods. It is a complex, systemic inflammatory condition that can have far-reaching effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, fertility, and quality of life.
Symptoms
- Severe, debilitating period pain (dysmenorrhoea) — disproportionate to a normal period
- Chronic pelvic pain — not just during menstruation
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Painful bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstruation
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Fatigue, especially around menstruation
- Difficulty conceiving
Endometriosis symptoms overlap with many other conditions including IBS and pelvic inflammatory disease. A specialist assessment is important to reach an accurate diagnosis and avoid years of unnecessary suffering.
Causes
The exact cause is not fully understood. The most widely accepted theory is retrograde menstruation — menstrual blood flowing back through the fallopian tubes and depositing endometrial cells in the pelvis. Genetic factors, immune dysfunction, and hormonal influences all appear to play a role. Having a close female relative with endometriosis significantly increases your risk.
When to see a doctor
Do not accept severe period pain as normal. If pain is affecting your work, social life, or relationships — or if you are struggling to conceive — speak to a doctor. The sooner endometriosis is identified, the sooner treatment can begin to reduce pain and protect fertility.
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Treatment options
- Hormonal treatments — combined pill, progestogen-only pills, hormonal IUS, or GnRH analogues to suppress endometrial growth and reduce pain
- Pain management — NSAIDs and other analgesics for symptom relief
- Laparoscopic surgery — to excise or ablate endometriotic lesions and adhesions; the most definitive treatment for confirmed disease
- Fertility treatment — where endometriosis has affected fertility, IVF or surgical options may be considered
- Multidisciplinary support — physiotherapy, psychological support, and dietary guidance as part of holistic management
How eMedClinic can help
Our gynaecologists provide compassionate, thorough assessments for suspected endometriosis. We take your symptoms seriously, provide appropriate referrals for imaging and laparoscopy, and manage ongoing hormonal treatment and pain control. You should not have to fight to be heard — we listen.
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