Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common condition that affects women during the reproductive years. It occurs when tissue like the uterine lining (endometrium) attaches to organs in the pelvis and begins to grow. This displaced endometrial tissue causes irritation in the pelvis that may lead to pain and infertility.
As well as causing painful periods, endometriosis can also cause:
- Constant pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Groin pain
- Leg pain
- Pain during and after sexual intercourse
- Pain with passing urine or on opening bowels
- Infertility
- Fatigue
Endometriosis can also have a significant impact on a person's life in a number of ways, including:
- Depression/isolation
- Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
- Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
Getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can sometimes be a frustrating experience. The disease appears differently in different people and the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.
See a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life. It may help to write down your symptoms before seeing your doctor.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms, and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina. They may recommend treatments if they think you have endometriosis.
If these do not help, they might refer you to a specialist called a gynaecologist for some further tests, such as an ultrasound scan or laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is where a surgeon passes a thin tube through a small cut in your tummy so they can see any patches of endometriosis tissue.
This is the only way to be certain you have endometriosis.
The health board offers an endometriosis symptom, support and advice clinic led by a Specialist Endometriosis Nurse. If you feel you need this support, you can ask your Consultant or GP for a referral into this clinic.
If you are already under secondary care service i.e. you have recently seen a gynaecology consultant or awaiting to see a consultant, please email: SBU.EndometriosisPatientContact@wales.nhs.uk where advice can be given or an appointment will be scheduled if needed.
If you have not been seen within the hospital setting before or have been discharged from the hospital setting in the past, then the GP or practice nurse may refer you into the service.
Please note that emails are not checked daily and average response time is around three weeks. Therefore, in an emergency please seek same day medical advice.
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We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.