Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes heavy and painful periods. It occurs when small pieces of the womb lining (endometrium) are found elsewhere in the body, outside the womb, such as in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder or vagina.

Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb lining, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. However, as they are not in the womb, this blood has no way to escape.

Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Causes

There is no proven cause for Endometriosis

Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms vary between women and range from symptoms linked to periods to pain during sex to painful bowel movements. Symptoms linked to periods include:

  • Heavy periods with or without clots
  • Period pain
  • Irregular periods
  • Prolonged bleeding
  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding between periods
  • Loss of ‘old’ or ‘dark blood’ before a period

Do you suspect you have endometriosis? Then contact your GP.

To find out more about Endometriosis, visit www.endometriosis-uk.org