Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that is similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere – such as in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, in and around the pelvis, the bladder and bowel. 

Endometrial tissue behaves in all those areas as the lining inside the womb would – so every month the tissue thickens and bleeds, similar to a period. But when it grows in places where it shouldn’t be, the blood doesn't leave your body. This can cause inflammation and scar tissue in the surrounding areas. 

Bands of fibrous tissue may develop and cause pelvic organs to stick to each other. If endometriosis is present in the ovaries, cysts – called endometriomas – may form. 

Endometriosis can be extremely painful, especially during menstruation, and can cause fertility problems, especially if undiagnosed.

The cause of endometriosis is not completely clear. The most possible explanation is that during a period, a few cells that are shed from the womb lining are pushed upwards through the fallopian tubes rather than passing out of your body as usual. As these shed cells are a normal part of you, they settle in and continue to grow.

Other factors are also involved, such as the way your immune system responds to the misplaced cells, and the genes you have inherited. For example, you are six to nine times more likely to experience endometriosis if you have a close female relative who is also affected.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is often connected to your periods. Although many women experience period cramps, those with endometriosis often describe pain that's far worse than usual. The pain also may increase over time. 

However symptoms of endometriosis vary, and some women may not have any symptoms at all, or only mild pelvic pain.

The four classic symptoms of endometriosis are:

• deep pelvic pain
• heavy, painful periods
• pain during sex
• difficulty in getting pregnant

Unfortunately endometriosis symptoms can have a devastating impact on women’s lives, affecting jobs, relationships and the ability to have children, and it is an often underdiagnosed condition.

If you think you may have endometriosis, it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible, so that you can start to see an improvement in your symptoms and live your life as fully as you can.

Our specialists will talk through all your symptoms carefully and also carry out a gentle internal examination. This is important to assess your reproductive organs. You may also have an ultrasound scan blood tests and swabs. 

If you need more detailed investigations, perhaps using MRI scans or a hysteroscopy (telescopic inspection of the womb lining) or laparoscopy (keyhole inspection of the pelvic cavity), our experienced endometriosis specialists will be able to schedule these, and carry them out. 

The treatment of endometriosis depends on the severity of your pelvic pain, and whether or not you are trying for a baby. It can include painkillers and hormone treatments that damp down your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove areas of endometriosis within the pelvis. Fertility treatment can also help you conceive, if you are trying to get pregnant. 

Pelvic pain due to endometriosis can occur throughout your menstrual cycle but is often worse before or during your period, and for some women it can, unfortunately, be severe. You may also experience low backache, nausea, diarrhoea, pain when peeing or pain in the back passage (rectal pain).

If you have been experiencing symptoms for a while and are looking for an endometriosis specialist in London, we can offer expert advice and guidance. Your endometriosis appointment includes: an in-depth consultation with your chosen Consultant Gynaecologist, a pelvic scan and a blood test (CA 125). In most cases, all of these can be done at the same time. The cost of this endometriosis package is £600.