Endometriosis

Tissue that's like the lining of the uterus can sometimes grow in parts of the pelvis that it shouldn't, such as the:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Bladder
• Bowel
• Other parts of the body

If your endometriosis involves your ovaries, cysts known as endometriomas can form. Other small lumps can form, called endometrial nodules. These can hurt a lot.

People with endometriosis often have a lot of inflammation and pain during their period.

Learn more at Endometriosis New Zealand

We don’t know exactly why endometriosis happens. We’re learning more all the time, but current research says there seems to be different reasons people get endometriosis.

What we do know is: if people in your family have endometriosis, it’s more likely that you will too. Often endometriosis isn’t diagnosed – so your family members might not even know that they have it. This can mean that people think their symptoms are normal when they aren’t at all. 

Researchers are exploring several strong theories about why endometriosis happens. Some theories about why endometriosis could happen include:

• Your immune system isn’t working like it’s meant to
• Your period flows into your pelvis instead of out your vagina
• You have increased levels of inflammation

Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. People with undiagnosed endometriosis often think that their pain is normal.

This pain can be:

• Pain and cramping during your period – in your pelvis, lower back, and tummy
• Pain during, or after, sex
• Pain going to the toilet during your period
• A history of painful periods that have not been helped by using hormonal contraception
• Pain that gets worse every time you have your period 

The truth is – even if you've been told your period pain is normal – if it stops you from living your life, it’s worth speaking to a nurse or doctor. Book an appointment with us, and we can talk about your options.

Some other symptoms of endometriosis are:

• Tiredness
• Problems with your bowels, such as bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation – this is sometimes diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Problems with your bladder
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• A pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis plus some of the other symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis can be treated and managed – it can’t be cured.

The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is laparoscopy. This is where a very thin tube with a camera is inserted into your tummy.   

But you don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin treatment.

There are lots of treatments for endometriosis. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms, where your endometriosis is, and if you want to have children. You can book an appointment with us to work out what treatments you want to try.

Endometriosis can be treated with: 

• The combined oral contraceptive pill, taken continuously
• Some types of progestogen-only contraceptive pill
• Other hormonal contraceptives, such as Depo Provera 
• A hormonal intra uterine device (IUD), such as Mirena 
• Pain medication 
• Surgery. This could involve cutting away the endometriosis lesions (excision). Or vaporising the abnormal tissue (ablation).

Some people also find that the following can help:

• Pelvic physiotherapy
• Making changes to your diet
• Natural therapies 

Endometriosis New Zealand has more information on managing your endometriosis.