Endometriosis (NHS)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: National Health Service · Published: August 24, 2026 · Accessed: August 24, 2026

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• Symptoms happen when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed but cannot leave your body; endometriosis is often found around the womb (ovaries, fallopian tubes, lining of the pelvis) and sometimes affects organs such as the bladder and bowel.
• Period-time symptoms include severe period pain that stops you from doing your normal activities, and heavy periods where you need to change pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours or may bleed through to your clothes.
• Other symptoms can occur at any time: pain in your lower tummy and back (pelvic area), pain when you poo or pee, pain during or after sex, extreme tiredness (fatigue), difficulty getting pregnant, and low mood or anxiety.
• Endometriosis is commonly diagnosed in women and girls from when their periods start (puberty) through to menopause.
• It can take a long time to diagnose endometriosis because its symptoms can be similar to other conditions, such as adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• A GP may refer you to a specialist called a gynaecologist for further tests; further tests include ultrasound, MRI, and laparoscopy, which can confirm whether you have endometriosis and during which areas can be removed.
• There is no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms: painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, hormones such as the combined contraceptive pill or other medicines that change hormone levels, and surgery to remove areas of endometriosis.
• Symptoms of endometriosis usually stop after the menopause, although it is possible to have symptoms after menopause.
• See a GP if you think you might have endometriosis, if symptoms affect your everyday life, work and relationships, or if you've had treatment from a GP but symptoms do not get better or get worse.