What Is Endometriosis? Symptoms and Diagnosis in the UK

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of a condition that affects millions of people yet is often misunderstood.

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women, with an estimated 1.5 million people living with the condition in the UK. Despite being so common, many individuals experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Understanding the symptoms and when to seek help is an important first step.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. This tissue can often be found on the:

• Ovaries
  
• Fallopian tubes
  
• Pelvic lining
  
• Bowel
  
• Bladder

Like the womb lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. However, because it cannot leave the body during a period, it can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

According to Endometriosis UK, the condition can vary significantly between individuals, with some people experiencing mild symptoms while others live with severe pain.

Common symptoms of endometriosis

Symptoms can develop during adolescence or early adulthood and may include:

• Severe period pain
  
• Chronic pelvic pain
  
• Pain during or after sex
  
• Pain when opening the bowels or passing urine
  
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
  
• Fatigue and bloating
  
• Difficulty conceiving

Symptoms are not always the same for everyone, and the severity of pain does not always reflect the amount of endometriosis present.

How long does diagnosis take in the UK?

One of the biggest challenges people face is the delay in diagnosis.

Research shows that the average time to diagnosis in the UK is around 9 years and 4 months from the first GP appointment. This delay can occur because:

• Painful periods are often normalised
  
• Symptoms overlap with other gut-related conditions and are dismissed as IBS
  
• Awareness of the condition can still be limited

If period pain or pelvic symptoms are affecting your daily life, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional.

When to seek support

You should consider seeking medical advice if:

• Period pain stops you from going to work or school
  
• Painkillers do not relieve symptoms
  
• You experience pelvic pain outside of your period
  
• Sex is painful
  
• Your symptoms affect your quality of life

Early support can help you explore treatment options and develop strategies to manage symptoms.

As part of Endometriosis Awareness month, I will be discussing this misunderstood condition, how it can affect women’s health and how nutrition can help. Watch out for my blogs for more info incoming!