Endometriosis Symptoms & Treatments in London

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that typically lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow outside the uterine cavity. Common sites for endometrial tissue growth include the ovaries, uterine ligaments, bowel, cervix, and peritoneal cavity. In rarer cases, endometrial tissue can even develop in remote locations like the chest or pericardial cavity. Like the uterine lining, these growths respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, scarring, and painful symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis often experience a range of symptoms that vary in intensity depending on the location and severity of the condition. The most common symptoms include:

• Severe pain before and during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods
• Pain during ovulation, typically between days 11 and 17 in a 28-day cycle
• Additional symptoms such as fatigue, lower back pain, and bowel dysfunction (e.g., diarrhoea, constipation) during menstruation.

Less Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

In addition to the symptoms listed above, women may experience less common indications of endometriosis, including:

• Pain during bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving
• Nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
• Cyclical pain in areas not typically associated with menstruation, such as the chest or upper abdomen.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

Diagnosing endometriosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and sometimes laparoscopy. Your specialist may start with a pelvic exam and recommend further tests such as ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the extent of the disease. Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure can also be used to definitively diagnose endometriosis and assess the severity of the condition.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Treatment for endometriosis is highly individualised and depends on factors like the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, and fertility goals. Treatment options may include:

Medical Treatment – For women with mild symptoms or those seeking to preserve fertility, pharmaceutical options such as hormonal therapies can help manage symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease.

Surgical Treatment – Laparoscopic surgery is commonly recommended for women with moderate to severe endometriosis. This procedure allows for the removal or cauterization of endometrial lesions, the release of adhesions, and the restoration of normal anatomical structures.

Combination Therapy – Frequently, a combination of medical and surgical treatments is most effective in managing endometriosis.

Are There Alternative Treatments for Endometriosis?

For patients interested in alternative or complementary approaches, there are various herbal, dietary, and bio-identical hormone therapies that may help manage endometriosis symptoms. These methods can be particularly beneficial when hormonal imbalances contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue. While these treatments are considered safe, it is still essential to consult with a specialist to ensure they are suitable for your individual needs.

Schedule Your Endometriosis Consultation in London

If you are struggling with endometriosis symptoms and are seeking expert care, our gynaecology services team, led by OB-GYN specialist, Mrs. Maria Papadopoulou is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule your endometriosis consultation today at Bader Medical of London and experience top-tier personalised care as you take the first steps towards reclaiming your quality of life.