Endometriosis FAQs

It is a long-term inflammatory condition, where deposits of tissue that are similar to the lining of the uterus are found outside of the uterus, such as on the bowel, bladder or ovaries.

Common symptoms (25-70% of cases):

• Severe painful periods
• Pain with sex
• Infertility
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

Less common symptoms (10-25% of cases):

• Bowel symptoms (constipation, diarrhoea, pain with bowel movement)
• Severe tiredness
• Back pain
• Sleep difficulty
• Headache
• Urinary symptoms
• Allergies

Transvaginal ultrasound is the preferred first line investigation, but a normal ultrasound does not exclude endometriosis.  An additional specialist ultrasound may be required and should be performed and interpreted by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise in gynaecological imaging. 

Endometriosis is diagnosed by a careful history, examination and preferably transvaginal ultrasound.  Other imaging options include abdominal ultrasound, MRI and specialist pelvic ultrasound.   If the diagnosis remains unclear, then laparoscopy could be offered after a trial of treatment. 

Endometriosis can affect fertility.  Our doctors at Elara can help you find a fertility doctor with experience in treating endometriosis.   See Endozone link about Fertility and conception in endometriosis.  Fertility and conception | EndoZone

Endometriosis does not always need treatment.  Hormone therapy has the best evidence for the management of pelvic pain, painful periods and painful sex.  Options include combined contraceptives and progestogen therapies.  Excellent second line treatments are now also available, such as Ryeqo. 

No.  In fact, there is limited evidence to support surgery to reduce pain associated with endometriosis, and it may or may not improve symptoms.  Endometriosis can recur even after a hysterectomy. 

This is endometriosis that may occur in other pelvic areas and organs, such as the utero-sacral ligaments, vagina, bladder, and bowel, and deep within the pelvis.  It can be difficult to diagnose, may require specialised scanning or laparoscopy and can cause bowel and bladder symptoms. 

When endometriosis or suspected endometriosis is not responding to standard treatments.  At Elara, our GPs are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and can initiate second line hormonal treatments such as Ryeqo.   See link:  Patient Resources