Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
What is Endometriosis?
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.
+ What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Sometimes, endometriosis symptoms can be very severe and have a big impact on your life, or the symptoms might not be noticeable at all.
The main symptoms of endometriosis are:
- pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- period pain that stops you doing normal activities
- deep pain during or after sex
- pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
- difficulty getting pregnant
- You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through your clothes.
If endometriosis symptoms are very bad or having a big impact on your life, they can sometimes lead to mental health concerns such as feelings of depression or anxiety.
+ When to see your doctor/GP?
See a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they’re having a big impact on your life.
It may help to write down your symptoms before seeing your GP.
Endometriosis Cymru have an online symptom reporting tool which might help you when visiting your doctor.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb. There are treatments that can help with any symptoms.
Adenomyosis is more commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 30. It can affect anyone who has periods.
+ What are the symptoms of Adenomyosis?
Some symptoms of adenomyosis affect your periods, such as:
- painful periods
- heavy bleeding during your period
Other symptoms can happen any time in your menstrual cycle, such as:
- pelvic pain (pain in the lower part of your tummy)
- bloating, heaviness or fullness in your tummy (abdomen)
- pain during sex
Some people with adenomyosis have no symptoms.
+ When to see your doctor/GP?
See a GP if:
- your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular
- you have pain during sex
- heavy periods are affecting your life or you’ve had them for some time
- you’ve been feeling bloated for a while (about 3 weeks)
- you bleed between periods or after sex
Local Support
SBUHB – Gynaecology Services
For information on endometriosis and support available from health services in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot take a look at the Swansea Bay University Health Board website.
Information and Resources
Endometriosis UK
Endometriosis UK offers a support network which includes support groups, a helpline, webchat and online community. Call their free confidential endometriosis Helpline on 0808 808 2227
They also provide information on Menstrual Cycle Support for Teens, Menstrual Health at Work, Symptoms checker, and webinars.
Endometriosis Cymru – Pain and Symptom Diary
To help doctors better understand your symptoms and identify possible reasons for them, they need certain information from you. This includes details on the nature of your symptoms and when you are having them
Endometriosis Cymru
Many people find it helpful and comforting to speak with other people who’ve been or are going through similar experiences. Search the Endometriosis Cymru website for support.
Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists – Endometriosis
Information to help you better understand your health and your options for treatment and care.
Available in print version, large print version and read aloud.
Endometriosis UK – Adenomyosis
Information on Adenomyosis from Endometriosis UK.