• What is endometriosis?

    Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is also found elsewhere in the body, mainly in the abdominal cavity.

  • Who gets endometriosis?

    Endometriosis typically affects women during their menstruating years. Symptoms can start with or after the first menstruation and, for most women, the disease is rarely found after the menopause

  • Is endometriosis inherited?

    The cause for endometriosis is not yet known, but research does show that first-degree relatives of women with this disease are more likely to develop endometriosis.

  • Is endometriosis cancer?

    No. Endometriosis cysts are sometimes referred to as "benign tumours", because they may "behave similarly" to cancer, but endometriosis is not the same disease.

  • Is there cure for endometriosis?

    No. But it can be treated, and for many women it is possible to manage their symptoms through a combination of treatments

  • Is endometriosis a sexually transmitted disease or infectious?

    No. Endometriosis cannot be transferred from one human being to another. The cause of endometriosis is not yet known, but it is not an infectious disease.

  • Will I be able to have children?

    It is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis may have difficulties in becoming pregnant (but this means that 60-70% will have no problems!). If fertility is a great wish, then please discuss your symptoms with your gynaecologist so that together you can develop the best treatment plan for you.

  • Does surgery for minimal-mild endometriosis improve pregnancy rates?

    Removal of endometriotic lesions plus removal of adhesions is effective compared with diagnostic laparoscopy alone

  • Is there a role for hormonal treatment in endometriosis associated infertility?

    Suppression of ovarian function to improve fertility is not effective and should not be offered

  • Does surgical treatment relieve pain?

    Surgical removal(ablation) of endometriotic lesions reduces endometriosis associated pain, but this may only be temporary

  • When should surgical treatment be considered?

    Depending on the severity of disease found, ideal practice is to diagnose and remove endometriosis surgically

  • Is there a role for hormonal treatment before or after surgery?

    There is insufficient evidence of benefit to justify the use of preoperative or postoperative hormonal treatment

  • What is the role of more radical surgery?

    Endometriosis associated pain can be reduced by removing the entire lesions in severe and deeply infiltrating disease.  If a hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries is performed there will be improved pain relief.  All visible endometriotic tissue should be removed at the same time

  • Will a hysterectomy cure endometriosis?

    Some women choose, as a last resort to have a hysterectomy. However, this does not guarantee complete pain relief.

  • Does nerve ablation provide pain relief?

    Laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation by itself does not reduce endometriosis associated pain

  • Can I do anything to help myself ?
    • Gentle exercise can sometimes help with period pain. Walking, dancing, yoga, cycling or swimming may help.
    • Applying a hot water bottle and/or cold compresses to the lower abdomen can sometimes help ease the pains.
    • Eat as well as you can, and include lots of fruit and vegetables and some fish and nuts.
    • Make sure that you are getting enough rest and keep stress levels low. Tension creates more pain, as muscles are not relaxed.

    Most of all, don't suffer in silence. You are not alone. Talking to others does help. Remember that we are here to help you as well.

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