Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrium like tissue, which is normally found in the inner part (the endometrium) of the womb (uterus), grows outside the womb, most commonly in the pelvis (the lower part of your tummy / abdomen). It is not known why the endometriosis grows in the wrong place.

Symptoms vary from person to person but most common symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sexual intercourse and difficulty getting pregnant.

How is endometriosis treated?

Endometriosis is a complex and personal disease. We try to individualise care taking into account a patient’s desires and goals.

Information about the symptoms of endometriosis and when to see your doctor (GP) can be found on the NHS website: Endometriosis – NHS. You may need some tests such as an ultrasound scan, MRI scan or laparoscopy to help diagnose endometriosis.

Once you have the results of your tests, your GP may refer you to our endometriosis clinic for an appointment with one of our gynaecologists to discuss treatment or surgery.

For more detailed information about diagnosis, treatment and support, please read our leaflets:

What to expect at your appointment

To help us better understand your symptoms, it may be useful to complete a pain diary before your appointment and bring this with you on the day.

Download a pain diary to complete

During your consultation:

  • the consultant will take a detailed medical history
  • we may measure your body mass index (BMI) and take your weight and height measurements
  • you may be asked to have a vaginal examination

The consultation aims help you make an informed decision about the personalised care you receive. You’ll be offered treatment and management based on your preferences, priorities and symptoms.

Questions you may be asked at your consultation

A complex history is likely taken by the consultant during your initial appointment. Below are a list of the questions you may be asked.  It may help to make some notes to bring with you on the day of your appointment.

Thinking about your pain

How long have you had it?

Location e.g. low abdomen, radiating into the legs, in the lower back

How long does it last for?

Does anything relieve or make it worse?

Does is coincide with your periods?

Does your pain have an effect on your home/social/work life on your relationship?

Do you have pain on intercourse, opening your bowels, passing urine, physical activity, when eating food?

Pain relief you take

How many day in the month is pain relief needed?

Any other coping strategies i.e. hot water bottles, tens machines, yoga?

Bowel – Do you have any of the following symptoms?

Urgency, constipation/diarrhoea, pain when opening your bowels, blood in your stools, bloating, abdominal cramps

Bladder– Do you have any of the following symptoms?

Frequent voiding, Pain or stinging on passing urine, is there any blood in your urine?

Previous treatments and investigations – have you tried any treatments for pelvic pain endometriosis and how effective were they? Have you had any recent investigations for endometriosis – scans etc. Please note the date of test and location?

Previous surgery – not just for endometriosis

Medical history – diabetes, heart conditions, thyroid, blood pressure, DVT, asthma

List of current medications taken

Smear history – Any abnormal smears and treatment undertaken?

Periods/menstruation – Date of your last period, the regularity of your periods, how heavy they are how long you bleed for and pain.

Family- How many children you have, is your family complete or are you trying to get pregnant and how long have you been trying for? Is your wish to not have any children?  

Meet the team

Mr James Tibbott, Consultant Gynaecologist

Miss Dorota Hardy, Consultant Gynaecologist

Endometriosis research

For information about the endometriosis research studies we are recruiting to, please visit: Gynaecology research

Endometriosis UK has information and support including a directory of local support groups that you may find helpful.

Endometriosis – NHS website

Endometriosis: diagnosis and management | NICE

How to find us

We are part of the Gynaecology Acute Treatment Unit, Level 1 Chancellor Wing, St James’s Hospital.

Please use the contact details on your letter if you need to get in touch with us. To cancel or change an outpatient clinic appointment please use Patient Hub or phone 0113 5181823.

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