Understanding, Managing, and Treating a Common Women’s Health Condition

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows in places outside the uterus — most often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or pelvic lining.

This tissue continues to respond to monthly hormonal changes, which can cause inflammation, scar tissue (adhesions), and sometimes organs sticking together.

While many women experience significant pain, others may have no symptoms at all and only discover they have endometriosis during fertility assessments or surgery for another reason.

Common Symptoms

Women with endometriosis may experience:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic or abdominal pain outside of menstruation
• Abnormal bleeding (such as premenstrual spotting)
• Bowel symptoms — painful bowel motions, bleeding from the bowel
• Pain when urinating, especially during periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Lower back, thigh, or leg pain

It’s important to remember: the severity of pain does not always match the severity of the condition — some women with extensive endometriosis feel little or no discomfort.

Causes and Recurrence

The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of hormonal, immune system, and genetic factors.

There is currently no known prevention, and symptoms can return over time — even after treatment. Pregnancy may temporarily reduce symptoms, but they often return, sometimes within months after giving birth.

Treatment Options

There is no single cure, but treatment can reduce pain, improve quality of life, and help preserve fertility. The approach depends on:

• Severity of symptoms
• How widespread the endometriosis is
• Your age
• Whether you wish to have children Treatment may include:
• Hormone therapy — to reduce or stop menstrual cycles and slow endometriotic tissue growth
• Pain relief medication — such as anti-inflammatory medicines
• Surgery — via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) to remove or destroy endometriosis lesions and release adhesions, which may also improve fertility outcomes
• Combination approach — ongoing monitoring, medication, and surgery when necessary

Regular review is important to manage symptoms effectively over the long term.

Our Approach to Care

At our practice, we understand that endometriosis can affect every aspect of your life — from work and daily activities to mental health and family planning.

We offer:

• Careful assessment and diagnosis
• Clear explanations of your treatment options
• A personalised management plan tailored to your lifestyle and reproductive goals
• Liaison with fertility specialists if you are planning a pregnancy

Our aim is to help you understand your condition, feel supported, and regain control over your health.