Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the cells like the ones lining the endometrium are found outside of the uterus. The endometrial tissue can grow on other organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and tissues lining the pelvis. The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t known, and there are several theories regarding the cause, although none have been scientifically proven.

The hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle affect the displaced endometrial tissue. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb. They grow and thicken, break down and then bleed into the pelvic cavity. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood gets trapped in the pelvis, causing inflammation and pain.

Endometriosis can cause a variety of different symptoms depending on its severity. Common symptoms include painful periods and pelvic pain, lower back pain that may occur at any time during the menstrual cycle, pain or cramping in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation, pain during intercourse, pain with bowel movements and urination, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation especially during periods, excessive period bleeding, infertility or difficulties conceiving and fatigue.