Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is a common yet widely under-recognised condition. It affects more than 1 in 10 women, girls, and people assigned female at birth.
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Start free consultIn Endometriosis, endometrial-like cells react in the same way as those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding every month. However, unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
Where can Endometriosis be found?
Endometriosis is most commonly found in the lining of the pelvis, the ovaries, the area between the upper vagina and the rectum, the urinary bladder, and the bowel.
A common misconception is that Endometriosis is only located in the pelvic area. Endometrial-like tissue can be found almost anywhere in the body. Endometriosis is a whole-body disease, not a gynaecological condition only.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
It's important to remember that the symptoms and the level of pain do not necessarily reflect the severity or stage of Endometriosis.
Here are some symptoms of Endometriosis:
- Persistent/Chronic pain in the tummy, back, and/or pelvic area (throughout the cycle, during sex, outside of the cycle, during bowel movements etc)
- Bloating (also referred to as Endo belly)
- Bladder and Bowel problems (diarrhoea, constipation, pain, blood in poo or pee)
- Feeling sick
- Difficulty with fertility or not being able to get pregnant at all
- Fatigue
