Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, which can cause pain, infertility and menstrual disturbances. Our centre offers a full range of services from diagnosis to medical and minimally invasive surgical treatments.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue is found outside the uterine cavity (ovaries, pelvis, or bowel surfaces). It responds to hormonal cycles and can cause chronic pelvic pain and fertility problems.

Symptoms

  • Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Infertility or difficulty conceiving
  • Irregular bleeding or bowel/bladder symptoms in some cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through clinical assessment, pelvic ultrasound (often transvaginal), and in selected cases MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy. Timeline and findings are discussed in a specialist consultation.

Treatment options

Treatment is individualised and may include:

  • Medical management — analgesia, hormonal suppression (combined oral contraceptives, progestins, GnRH analogues)
  • Fertility-focused care — assisted reproduction (IUI/IVF) when conception is a priority
  • Minimally invasive surgery — laparoscopic excision or ablation of endometriotic lesions and adhesiolysis
  • Multidisciplinary support — pain management and fertility counselling

When to consult a specialist

See a specialist if you have severe period pain, symptoms that affect daily life, or if you're having difficulty conceiving. Early assessment can improve symptom control and fertility outcomes.

Why choose Yashoda IVF for endometriosis care

We combine experienced gynaecologists, minimally invasive surgical expertise and fertility specialists to create personalised care plans that balance symptom control and reproductive goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining, and in rare instances, it may spread further. Unlike the uterine lining, this displaced tissue has no way to exit the body during menstruation, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.

The exact causes of endometriosis isn't fully known, but several theories exist. Retrograde menstruation is a widely accepted theory where menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity during menstruation. Hormonal imbalance with high estrogen levels may also fuel the growth of endometrial implants. An impaired immune system might fail to recognize and eliminate endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus. Additionally, endometriosis has a potential genetic link and tends to run in families.

Symptoms of endometriosis vary widely in severity and presentation. Common signs include painful periods (dysmenorrhea), often more severe than typical menstrual cramps and worsening over time. Chronic pelvic pain persists in the lower abdomen and pelvis, unrelated to menstruation. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) can be severe or moderate. Infertility may occur as endometriosis can damage fallopian tubes or ovaries. Some experience painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstrual periods. Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) with unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding is also common.

As of now, a definitive cure for endometriosis does not exist. The primary aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms such as pain and enhance fertility. Treatment typically involves medications, surgical intervention, or a combination of these approaches. While these treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they work to control the condition rather than permanently cure it.

Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging due to its different symptoms that overlap with other conditions. A clinical evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of symptoms, medical history, and family history. A pelvic exam may reveal abnormalities like cysts or tenderness. Ultrasound is used to visualize reproductive organs and detect cysts or other growths, though it cannot definitively diagnose endometriosis. MRI provides more detailed images than ultrasound and helps identify the extent of endometrial implants. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis where a small incision is made and a thin, lighted instrument is inserted to directly view pelvic organs and confirm the presence of endometrial implants. Biopsies can be taken for confirmation.