{"@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Endometriosis", "copyrightHolder": {"name": "Crown Copyright", "@type": "Organization"}, "license": "https://developer.api.nhs.uk/terms", "author": {"url": "https://www.nhs.uk", "logo": "https://digital.nhs.uk/binaries/content/gallery/website/developer/api-catalogue/nhs-website-content/nhs-attribution.png", "email": "nhswebsite.servicedesk@nhs.net", "@type": "Organization", "name": "NHS website"}, "about": {"@type": "WebPage", "name": "Endometriosis", "alternateName": ""}, "description": "Find out about endometriosis, a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.", "url": "https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/", "genre": ["Condition"], "keywords": [], "dateModified": "2024-03-15T09:04:48+00:00", "lastReviewed": ["2022-09-04T23:00:00+00:00", "2025-09-04T23:00:00+00:00"], "breadcrumb": {"@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 0, "item": {"@id": "https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/", "name": "Health A to Z", "genre": []}}, {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": {"@id": "https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/", "name": "Endometriosis", "genre": ["Condition"]}}]}, "hasPart": [{"@type": "HealthTopicContent", "url": "https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/#symptoms", "hasHealthAspect": "http://schema.org/SymptomsHealthAspect", "headline": "Symptoms\u00a0of endometriosis", "description": "Symptoms of endometriosis include pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain), severe period pain and pain during or after sex.", "hasPart": [{"@type": "WebPageElement", "headline": "", "text": "
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others\u00a0might not\u00a0have any noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms of endometriosis are:
You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression.
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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.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "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 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.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}]}, {"identifier": "0", "name": "section heading", "position": 1, "@type": "WebPageElement", "mainEntityOfPage": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others\u00a0might not\u00a0have any noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms of endometriosis are:
You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "Symptoms of endometriosis include pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain), severe period pain and pain during or after sex.", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others\u00a0might not\u00a0have any noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms of endometriosis are:
You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "hasHealthAspect": "http://schema.org/SymptomsHealthAspect", "headline": "Symptoms\u00a0of endometriosis"}, {"identifier": "0", "name": "section heading", "position": 2, "@type": "WebPageElement", "mainEntityOfPage": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "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 a doctor.
Endometriosis UK has a\u00a0pain and symptoms diary (PDF, 238kb) you can use.
It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
A 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, MRI 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.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "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 a doctor.
Endometriosis UK has a\u00a0pain and symptoms diary (PDF, 238kb) you can use.
It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
A 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, MRI 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.
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Treatments include:
Your doctor will discuss the options with you. Sometimes they may suggest not starting treatment immediately,\u00a0to see if\u00a0your symptoms improve on their own.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "Treatments for endometriosis include painkillers, hormone medicines and surgery to remove the endometriosis tissue.", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "There's currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are\u00a0treatments that can help ease the symptoms.
Treatments include:
Your doctor will discuss the options with you. Sometimes they may suggest not starting treatment immediately,\u00a0to see if\u00a0your symptoms improve on their own.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "hasHealthAspect": "http://schema.org/TreatmentsHealthAspect", "headline": "Treatments\u00a0for endometriosis"}, {"identifier": "0", "name": "section heading", "position": 4, "@type": "WebPageElement", "mainEntityOfPage": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "One of the main\u00a0complications of endometriosis is difficulty getting pregnant or not being able to get pregnant at all\u00a0(infertility).
Surgery to remove endometriosis tissue can help\u00a0improve your chances of getting pregnant, although there's no guarantee that you'll be able to get pregnant after treatment.
Surgery for endometriosis can also sometimes cause further problems, such as infections, bleeding\u00a0or damage to affected organs.
If surgery is recommended for you, talk to your surgeon about the possible risks.
Find out more about the complications of endometriosis
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "One of the main\u00a0complications of endometriosis is difficulty getting pregnant or not being able to get pregnant at all\u00a0(infertility).
Surgery to remove endometriosis tissue can help\u00a0improve your chances of getting pregnant, although there's no guarantee that you'll be able to get pregnant after treatment.
Surgery for endometriosis can also sometimes cause further problems, such as infections, bleeding\u00a0or damage to affected organs.
If surgery is recommended for you, talk to your surgeon about the possible risks.
Find out more about the complications of endometriosis
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "headline": "Further problems caused by endometriosis"}, {"identifier": "0", "name": "section heading", "position": 5, "@type": "WebPageElement", "mainEntityOfPage": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, both physically and emotionally.
As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to contact a support group, such as\u00a0Endometriosis UK, for information and advice.
In addition to\u00a0detailed\u00a0information about endometriosis, Endometriosis UK has a directory of local support groups, a helpline\u00a0on 0808 808 2227, webchat, and an\u00a0online community on HealthUnlocked for women affected by the condition.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, both physically and emotionally.
As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to contact a support group, such as\u00a0Endometriosis UK, for information and advice.
In addition to\u00a0detailed\u00a0information about endometriosis, Endometriosis UK has a directory of local support groups, a helpline\u00a0on 0808 808 2227, webchat, and an\u00a0online community on HealthUnlocked for women affected by the condition.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "headline": "Living\u00a0with endometriosis"}, {"identifier": "0", "name": "section heading", "position": 6, "@type": "WebPageElement", "mainEntityOfPage": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "The\u00a0cause of endometriosis is not\u00a0known.
Several theories have been suggested, including:
But none of these theories fully explain why endometriosis happens.
It's likely the condition is caused by a combination\u00a0of different\u00a0factors.
", "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "markdown", "headline": ""}], "description": "It's not clear what causes endometriosis. It may be linked to things like your genes or a problem with your immune system.", "hasPart": [{"position": 0, "identifier": "1", "text": "The\u00a0cause of endometriosis is not\u00a0known.
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But none of these theories fully explain why endometriosis happens.
It's likely the condition is caused by a combination\u00a0of different\u00a0factors.
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