Signs and symptoms

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis can affect women and people assigned female at birth of any age including teenagers.

It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

The symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Pain around the time of your periods that interferes with your daily life 
• Chronic pelvic pain (lasting over 3 months)
• Pain during or after penetrative vaginal sexual intercourse or examinations 
• Pain and/or bleeding when you poo
• Pain and/or bleeding when peeing or with a full bladder 
• Chronic fatigue (feeling tired all the time despite getting enough sleep) 
• Abdominal bloating that may or may not be painful 
• Lower back pain, pain in your legs, a heavy pressure feeling in your pelvis 

In addition, you may be more likely to have endometriosis if you have the following:

• A family history of endometriosis (especially if it's your mum or sister)
• If you experienced period pain that has regularly stopped you from being able to attend school
• Pain that isn't relieved by simple analgesia such a paracetamol and/or ibuprofen

For more information on endometriosis, visit the NHS 111 Wales website.