Endometriosis: The Silent Struggle — What You Need to Know

Do you suffer from excruciating period pain that disrupts daily life? Have you struggled with bloating, heavy periods or difficulty getting pregnant? Pain during or after sex you can't explain? You might be dealing with endometriosis — a condition affecting around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age that often goes undiagnosed for years.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb — often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic structures. This tissue thickens and sheds with each cycle but has no way to leave the body, leading to inflammation, scarring and sometimes cysts known as endometriomas.

Symptoms

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) — cramps worse than usual
• Chronic pelvic pain outside the menstrual cycle
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during periods
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Difficulty conceiving
• Bloating and digestive issues (often mistaken for IBS)

How Is It Diagnosed?

• Medical history and detailed symptom review
• Pelvic examination
• Ultrasound scan — to identify associated cysts
• MRI scan for more detailed imaging where needed
• Laparoscopy — keyhole surgery, the gold standard for confirmation

Managing Endometriosis

• Pain relief — anti-inflammatory medication
• Hormonal treatments — the pill, hormonal coil, or GnRH analogues
• Surgery — laparoscopic removal of endometrial tissue
• Fertility treatment, including IVF where needed
• Lifestyle support — exercise, diet, stress management