What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body.
Around 1 in 10 women experience endometriosis, but it can be a reality for people of all gender identities including some young trans men and non-binary young people.
Symptoms of endometriosis
Symptoms can vary from person-to-person and month-to-month. Some people have no symptoms at all.
- Pain in the lower abdomen (tummy), pelvis, lower back or legs
- Heavy or prolonged (long lasting) periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during ovulation
- Pain or bleeding when going to the toilet (pain before or after peeing or pooing)
- Lack of energy
These symptoms may be endometriosis, but could also be a number of other health conditions, so it is important to talk to your GP if you are experiencing any of these.
If you are looking for ways to help improve your symptoms, NHS Inform have a list of different treatments that may be available to you such as using a hot water bottle, pain relief, hormone treatment or surgery.
How to get support
Talk to your GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis. In the video below, Amy lists her three top tips for going to the doctors about endometriosis:
There are lots of endometriosis symptom diaries you can download, such as the Pain and Symptoms Diary Amy mentions in the video, or the Endometriosis Symptom Diary by Bupa UK.
If you have questions or just need someone to talk to, Endometriosis UK have a free, confidential helpline 0808 808 2227.
Endometriosis can also have a big emotional impact. Here is a list of organisations you can reach out to for mental health support.
Support groups in Scotland
Endometriosis UK have local support groups for those affected by endometriosis. You’ll get to hear from other people in Scotland living with the condition. There is also an online community you can join if you’d prefer to connect online.
- Endo Warriors West Lothian
- Endo Warriors West Coast and Arran
- Endo South of Scotland
- Endo Borders
- North Highland Women’s Wellbeing Hub
- Endometriosis Support Group Fife
- Endometriosis Support Group Shetland
Find out more
- Read Capital Radio’s Katy Johnston’s story of living with endometriosis.
- Check out Amy, a young person living with endometriosis’s top tips for supporting someone with the condition.
- Endometriosis UK has lots of information on endometriosis and where you can find support.
- EXPPECT provide up-to-date factual information about endometriosis and possible treatments.