Endometriosis Awareness Month
As it’s endometriosis awareness month, we’d like to spend some time talking about how to navigate your symptoms and the diagnosis.
What is 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.
During the menstrual cycle the tissue outside the uterus responds to hormonal changes and thickens, breaks down and bleeds. But because it has no way to exit the body like it would inside the uterus, it causes pain, inflammation and the formation of scar tissue.
Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. It is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK. Despite this it takes on average 7-8 years to get a diagnosis in the UK. Endometriosis can affect women of any age, including teenagers. It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

How do I know if I have endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is currently no definitive cure. The symptoms can vary from person to person and can sometimes be challenging to identify as endometriosis as they often overlap with other conditions, meaning healthcare professionals may not always recognise the signs.
The NHS lists the symptoms of endometriosis as;
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms of endometriosis are:
- pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- pain during or after sex
- pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period
- difficulty getting pregnant
You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
If you think the above symptoms apply to you please visit your GP, and we’ve gathered some tips to help you navigate this process!

Navigating endometriosis diagnosis
Some practices that may help you navigate your diagnosis is;
Keep a symptom diary
Keeping a track of any of the previously mentioned symptoms and any other symptoms you experience is key. You should keep a note of any pain, how bad it is and where you experience this. Make sure you log when this happens and how it relates to your cycle. This helps you convey to your doctor what you’ve been experiencing and how it impacts your daily life.
Have any relevant medical history ready
Have a record of any information concerning your menstrual cycle, pain, and any treatments you’ve tried including contraception. Having this to hand can help to speed up your diagnosis conversation. This can even include making notes from any medical appointments you have.
Ask questions and advocate for yourself
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and request further tests or referrals from your doctor. It’s important not to feel disheartened, you know your body better than anyone so don’t be afraid to push for what you need.
Tips for living with endometriosis
Take pain medication as needed
Over the counter medication can help manage the pain associated with an endometriosis flare up, for some women this will be enough, for others with extreme pain you may need prescription medications from your doctor for more relief. Don’t forget to Stay hydrated. On days that feel especially hard, dehydration might be a factor. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce bloating and cramping.
Period pants
Using period pants can help when suffering with endometriosis as they hold up to 4 tampons worth of blood providing more protection against leak than standard period products! They can also work as an extra layer of leak protection when using traditional period products to avoid any blood on your clothes!
Use heat to combat pain
Using heat therapy such as a hot water bottle, heating pads, or a hot bath can provide some relief. Applying heat dilates the blood vessels promoting blood flow and helping muscles relax, which reduces the pain from endometriosis.
Learn about chronic pain management
Living with endometriosis and the pain associated with it can affect your daily life and can have impacts on your mental health. Chronic pain management techniques work to promote a healthier mental state and ease your pain, as a poor mental state can increase the amount of pain you experience. Some techniques include meditation, medication, good sleep hygiene and therapy.
Discuss surgical options with your doctor
Pain-relieving medications and management strategies offer support in coping with endometriosis. Hormone therapy can aid in diminishing pain and slowing the growth of endometrial tissue. It's crucial to understand that while these approaches can alleviate symptoms, they do not eradicate endometriosis itself.
For addressing the underlying cause of endometriosis pain, minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial tissue outside the uterus is essential. In severe instances, a hysterectomy may be advised as a definitive measure to resolve endometriosis.