Endometriosis is where tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus starts to grow in other places and causes inflammation. It is a common long-term (chronic) condition.
Tissue may grow in your:
- peritoneum - the lining of your pelvis and abdomen (tummy)
- ovaries
- fallopian tubes
- bladder
- bowel
This tissue can grow and cause pain. Especially during your period.
Endometriosis is common in women and girls. The condition can last from when your periods begin until menopause. It affects up to 1 in 7 women and girls in Ireland.
Symptoms of endometriosis
Everyone’s experience of endometriosis is different. Some people have no symptoms. For others, endometriosis can significantly impact their quality of life.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:
- pain in your lower abdomen or back (pelvic pain) - this can happen before or during your period, or at other times during the month
- period pain that stops you from doing normal activities and does not go away with painkillers - this pain is worse than normal period cramps
- heavy periods
- pain during or after sex
- pain when you poo or pee that is worse during your period
- feeling sick, constipated, having diarrhoea or blood in your urine during your period
- difficulty getting pregnant
- extreme tiredness
Living with these symptoms may lead to low mood and anxiety.
There are also less common symptoms of endometriosis. For example, shoulder pain.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- you think you have endometriosis
- your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, work and relationships
It can help to write down your symptoms before speaking to your GP.
Get medical help as soon as you can. If you delay getting help, treatment may be less effective.
Complications of endometriosis
Women with endometriosis can sometimes have complications.
Fertility problems
Endometriosis can affect your chances of getting pregnant. But not all women with endometriosis have fertility problems. Some women can get pregnant without treatment.
If you have mild endometriosis, surgery to remove endometriosis tissue can sometimes improve your fertility. But this is not always the case.
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant with endometriosis, fertility treatments may be an option, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
But if you have moderate to severe endometriosis, you may have a lower chance of getting pregnant with IVF.
Speak to your GP if you are struggling to get pregnant and you have had treatment for endometriosis.
Adhesions and ovarian cysts
Some people develop:
- adhesions - sticky areas of endometriosis tissue that can cause organs to stick together
- ovarian cysts - fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries that can sometimes become large and painful
These can both happen if the endometriosis tissue is in or near the ovaries.
Endometrioma, also called chocolate cysts, are a sign of advanced endometriosis. They can be found during an ultrasound scan and treated with surgery. But endometrioma often come back.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
