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Key Information

  • What is it? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, usually within the pelvis, around the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • The garden analogy: A helpful way to picture it is like seeds from a plant scattering and starting to grow in the wrong part of the garden. The tissue isn’t dangerous, but it is growing where it shouldn’t be.
  • This is a common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK.

Why Does It Cause Pain?

  • What is it? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, usually within the pelvis, around the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
  • The garden analogy: A helpful way to picture it is like seeds from a plant scattering and starting to grow in the wrong part of the garden. The tissue isn’t dangerous, but it is growing where it shouldn’t be.
  • This is a common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK.

What Happens Next?

Understanding the mechanism helps explain the symptoms:

  1. The cycle: Just like the lining of your womb, this “out-of-place” tissue follows the instructions of your menstrual cycle every month. It builds up, breaks down and bleeds.
  2. No exit: Unlike a period, where the blood leaves the body, this internal bleeding has nowhere to go.
  3. The result: This trapped blood causes inflammation and severe pain and, over time, can lead to the formation of scar tissue.

Discuss Your Symptoms

While endometriosis is a long-term condition, the most important thing to know is that it can be managed. The first step is starting the conversation.

If you are experiencing very heavy periods or persistent pain in your lower tummy and back, please contact us.

For more detailed information on endometriosis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, please visit the NHS website.

Learn more about endometriosis