Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus occurs outside of the uterus. Most commonly this happens in the fallopian tubes or at the lining of the abdomen within the pelvis and near the ovaries, causing a small amount of internal bleeding and inflammation every time the woman has a period and causing periods to be very painful. It is a long term condition and in some cases can really affect quality of life.
Who does it Typically Affect?
Any woman can potentially have endometriosis but it doesn’t always cause problems. It is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women, but is known to be present in up to 50% of women with a history of difficulty conceiving.
What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Women with endometriosis tend to have very heavy and painful periods. Most women put up with some pain and heavy periods for a little while but if it comes to a point when they feel it is becoming abnormal, they should seek help. Sometimes the pain is so bad that it causes women to be tired and drained all the time and some women report having very little days being pain-free because the pain can start before a period and continue for many days after the period finishes.
Depending on where the endometriosis is, some women report bladder or bowel symptoms that changes with their periods and some women report sex to be painful. A small group of women will not have any problems at all until they realise it is difficult to conceive.
Diagnosis and Treatment
An ultrasound will confirm if there is obvious endometriosis, but the most accurate way to diagnose endometriosis is to have a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Laparoscopy is an operation carried out under general anaesthetic in which a small telescope (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen to look directly at the tissues. If endometriosis is found it can be treated immediately. Other treatments include pain killers, hormone medicines and contraceptives, or a hysterectomy.
How Long is the Recovery Time?
If you have a laparoscopy, the majority of patients are well enough to go home on the same day. The cuts on the abdomen are usually about 1cm in size and heal very well. After going home, women can usually return to usual activity within 2 weeks but it can take a bit longer depending on the extent of surgery that is performed during the laparoscopy.
Can Endometriosis Return?
Endometriosis can return and patients may have more than one laparoscopic procedure over several years.
Need Help?
Treatment for endometriosis is available at One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.
You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Endometriosis treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Ashford Hospital
Why One Ashford Hospital
- Access to leading Consultants within 48 hours*
- Competitive fixed-price packages
- Modern purpose-built hospital
- Private, spacious, ensuite rooms
- Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
- Little waiting time for surgery
- Calm, dignified experience
*Dependent on Consultant availability
**Terms and conditions apply
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