ExplorePelvic & period health
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. It affects roughly 1 in 7 Australian women and people assigned female at birth. Diagnosis often takes years, so a clear symptom record genuinely helps.
Common symptoms
- Period pain that stops you doing normal things
- Pain before periods, during ovulation, or all month
- Deep pain with sex
- Pain when opening bowels or weeing, often worse around your period
- Heavy or irregular bleeding, bloating, and deep fatigue
- Difficulty falling pregnant
Useful to track
- Daily pain score and where it sits
- Days of bleeding and spotting, plus flow heaviness
- Pain with sex, bowels, bladder
- Days off work or study because of symptoms
- Medications tried and whether they helped
Tests and conversations that may be relevant
- History and examination — your story is the strongest clue
- Pelvic ultrasound to look for endometriomas or adenomyosis; a normal scan does not rule endometriosis out
- MRI in some cases
- Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can confirm it, but treatment often starts before surgery
When to see a GP or specialist
- Period pain not controlled by simple pain relief
- Symptoms affecting school, work, relationships or mood
- Symptoms plus fertility concerns — ask about a referral to a gynaecologist with endometriosis experience
- In Australia you can ask about an endometriosis and pelvic pain GP clinic
Urgent warning signs
- Sudden severe pain with faintness or vomiting
- Fever with pelvic pain
- Inability to pass urine
In Australia, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Questions to take to a clinician
- Based on my symptoms, is endometriosis worth treating for now?
- What are my options besides surgery?
- Which specialist or pelvic physiotherapist do you recommend?
- How will we review whether the plan is working?
Related
eophi shares general information reviewed against Australian guidance. It never diagnoses. If something feels urgent, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.