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Medical Review by Dr Zoe Miller
Dr Zoe Miller graduated from the University of Warwick with an MBChB degree and has reviewed this content for medical accuracy.
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (known as the endometrium) grows outside of the womb. This tissue responds to hormones throughout the menstrual cycle which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and pain (with the location of the symptoms depending on where the tissue is growing).
Symptoms are often dismissed as “normal period pain,” and many individuals spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. This can delay treatments that can help improve symptoms and support women’s fertility goals.
If you think you may have endometriosis, understanding the diagnostic process is one way to feel more confident in what to ask for and better prepared for the journey ahead.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 reproductive-age women and people assigned female at birth in the UK. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Severe period pain
- Pelvic pain outside of periods
- Heavy periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Bloating and digestive symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pain when using the toilet (when urinating and/or during bowel movements)
- Fertility difficulties
Getting a Diagnosis
Step 1: Track Your Symptoms
Tracking changes throughout your cycle can help provide a clearer picture of how symptoms are affecting your daily life and may support earlier investigation and diagnosis.
Try tracking:
- Pain levels throughout your cycle
- Heavy bleeding
- Digestive symptoms
- Fatigue
- Medication use
- How symptoms affect work, sleep, exercise or social plans
Many people find that using a symptom diary or period tracking app helps them explain their experiences more clearly during appointments.
Step 2: Speak to Your GP
In the UK, diagnosis usually starts with a GP appointment.
Your doctor may ask questions about:
- Your menstrual cycle
- Pain severity
- Family history
- Fertility concerns
- Previous treatments or medications
A helpful approach is to explain how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life, as this can give your doctor a clearer understanding of their severity. For example, describing how period pain impacts your ability to work or carry out everyday activities can help illustrate the real effect your symptoms are having on your quality of life.
People within the Reddit Endometriosis community frequently recommend:
- Writing down key points before appointments
- Bringing someone for support if possible
- Asking for a longer GP appointment
- Being honest about how severe symptoms feel
Advocating for yourself can feel difficult, especially when discussing intimate or painful symptoms, but persistent pain deserves medical attention.
Step 3: Tests and Scans
Your GP may recommend tests to rule out other conditions. These can include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Pelvic examinations
- Ultrasound scans
- MRI scans
It is important to know that scans do not always detect endometriosis. Many people with confirmed Endometriosis have previously received normal scan results.
This can feel discouraging, and many people in online support forums describe frustration after years of normal tests before finally receiving answers. If you feel your concerns are not being fully understood, you can seek a second opinion.
Step 4: Referral to a Specialist
If endometriosis is suspected, your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist or specialist endometriosis clinic.
Unfortunately, long NHS waiting lists can sometimes delay appointments or surgery. Some individuals choose private healthcare if accessible, while others continue through NHS referral pathways.
Step 5: Laparoscopic Diagnosis
Currently, the most definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopy.
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to look for endometriosis tissue.
Getting diagnosed with Endometriosis can feel like a long and challenging journey, especially when symptoms are misunderstood or not taken seriously.
But your experiences are valid, and severe period pain is not something you simply have to live with or accept as “normal.” With the right support, it is possible to get answers, explore treatment options (including painkillers, hormonal treatments, and/or surgery), and find ways to manage your symptoms.
Tired of dealing with painful periods? We understand how disruptive period pain can be, which is why we developed our Complete Period Pain Reliever with TENS technology, designed to help support fast, drug-free pain relief. Find out more here.
