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Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million women in the UK (Image: Humphrey Nemar\/Getty)<\/p>\n
Endometriosis<\/a> is one of the commonest gynaecological conditions in the UK but is often under-recognised. Many women with endometriosis experience debilitating symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Greater awareness of endometriosis is helping to change this. Earlier recognition and improved treatment mean that many women can now receive help sooner and have a much better quality of life than in the past.<\/p>\n What is endometriosis?<\/p>\n Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. These growths are most commonly found in the pelvis, affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder or bowel but can also occur elsewhere in the body.<\/p>\n Like the lining of the womb, this tissue responds to the body\u2019s monthly hormonal changes. It can become inflamed and bleed during the menstrual cycle, leading to pain and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). Over time, these changes can affect the normal function of pelvic organs.<\/p>\n Doctors do not yet know exactly why endometriosis develops. The condition tends to run in families, so someone with a mother or sister who has endometriosis is at greater risk.<\/p>\n What are the symptoms?<\/p>\n Symptoms vary widely. Some women have only mild symptoms, while others experience pain that significantly affects their daily lives. The severity of symptoms does not always reflect how extensive the disease is. Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n severe period painpersistent pelvic painpain during or after sexheavy menstrual bleedingpain when opening the bowels or passing urineabdominal bloatingtiredness<\/p>\n Some women also experience difficulty becoming pregnant, although many women with endometriosis conceive naturally.<\/p>\n Because many of these symptoms overlap with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, bladder disorders or pelvic infections, diagnosis is not always easy.<\/p>\n Why is diagnosis often delayed?<\/p>\n One of the greatest challenges that women with endometriosis experience is the delay in diagnosis with many women waiting several years before receiving a diagnosis. There are several reasons for this.<\/p>\n Painful periods are often regarded as a normal part of growing up, meaning that symptoms may not initially be taken seriousl<\/a>. Some women feel embarrassed discussing menstrual or sexual symptoms, while healthcare professionals may first need to exclude other possible causes of pelvic pain.<\/p>\n Greater public awareness, improved education and increased recognition among healthcare professionals are helping to shorten these delays but further progress is still needed.<\/p>\n How is endometriosis diagnosed?<\/p>\n If your GP suspects endometriosis, they will begin by asking about your symptoms and medical history. This is usually followed by an examination of the abdomen and pelvis.<\/p>\n Tests may be arranged to rule out other conditions. These can include blood tests to check for anaemia if periods are heavy, as well as tests for infection such as vaginal swabs.<\/p>\n Many women will be offered an ultrasound scan of the pelvis, which can identify some forms of endometriosis. An MRI scan may sometimes be recommended if more detailed imaging is needed.<\/p>\n Women with persistent or severe symptoms are often referred to a gynaecologist. In some cases, a keyhole operation called a laparoscopy may be recommended. This involves inserting a small camera through the abdominal wall under a general anaesthetic to look directly inside the pelvis and, if necessary, take tissue samples or treat endometriosis during the same procedure.<\/p>\n Not everyone needs a laparoscopy before treatment begins. Increasingly, doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, examination findings and imaging, allowing treatment to start earlier.<\/p>\n Some women suffer debilitating symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis (Image: Getty)How is it treated?<\/p>\n There is currently no cure for endometriosis but treatments are available to help control symptoms and improve quality of life. The best treatment depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms, the woman\u2019s age and whether she wishes to become pregnant.<\/p>\n Painkillers<\/a> can help many women. Hormonal treatments such as combined oral contraceptives are commonly used to reduce or stop menstrual periods, which can lessen pain.<\/p>\n Some women with more severe disease may benefit from specialist hormone treatments that temporarily reduce the body\u2019s production of oestrogen.<\/p>\n If symptoms remain troublesome despite medication, surgery may be considered. Laparoscopic surgery<\/a> can remove areas of endometriosis and scar tissue and may improve both pain and fertility in selected patients.<\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/young-millennial-woman-suffering-with-stomach-pain-feeling-unwell-sitting-on-bed-in-the-7036933.jpg\" "\\"Young")
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