Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue can form on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, and other pelvic structures. Because this tissue behaves like womb lining, it can thicken and bleed during the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, scarring, and significant pain.

It is a very common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Despite how widespread it is, many women experience delays in diagnosis and may struggle with long term symptoms.

At Vitalscan, women can access advanced imaging services, including MRI pelvis gynaecological scans, to support accurate diagnosis.

Woman in white sweater holding an anatomical model of the uterus and ovaries.

What are the first signs of endometriosis?

Understanding the first signs of endometriosis is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can vary, but many women notice issues even in adolescence.

Common early signs include:

  • Painful or heavy periods
  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Severe back pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Pain when urinating
  • Bloating
  • Difficulty conceiving

These symptoms can worsen during menstruation. While some women may have mild symptoms, others experience intense, debilitating pain.

How does endometriosis affect your life?

One of the most common questions women ask is How does endometriosis affect your life?

The impact of endometriosis can be significant. Many women live with chronic pain that affects physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. This condition can interfere with work, daily activities, intimacy, and fertility.

Studies show that more than half of women with endometriosis need to take time off work frequently due to pain. Fatigue, disrupted sleep, and stress are also common, reducing quality of life. Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing inflammation and scarring around reproductive organs, making conception more difficult.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help reduce the long term impact of the disease.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, life limiting pain. They may include:

  • Period pain that is more intense than usual
  • Pelvic or lower back pain
  • Painful sex
  • Bowel or bladder symptoms
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

Not every woman with endometriosis will have severe symptoms; however, severe cases often involve chronic pain and infertility.

Endometriosis Risk Factors

Anyone with a menstrual cycle can develop endometriosis, but certain factors increase the likelihood.

Endometriosis risk factors include:

  • Family history of endometriosis
  • Early onset of menstruation
  • Short menstrual cycles
  • Heavy or long periods
  • Low body mass index
  • Never giving birth

If you have these risk factors and symptoms, consider seeking medical advice.

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis can sometimes take years because symptoms overlap with other conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Timely diagnosis helps avoid long term damage and improve quality of life.

  • Medical history and assessment – A clinician will discuss your symptoms and medical history.
  • Pelvic examination – A physical examination may detect abnormalities but does not confirm diagnosis alone.
  • Imaging – Non invasive imaging plays a significant role.
  • MRI pelvis gynaecological – The gold standard for mapping endometriosis, helping determine its extent and severity. MRI uses no radiation and provides high quality detail, making it the preferred imaging option.

  • Ultrasound pelvis transvaginal – Can help detect moderate to severe endometriosis but may miss milder cases. These scans can be booked directly through Vitalscan, or patients can be referred by their GP or specialist.

  • Laparoscopy – In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may be used to confirm diagnosis and treat endometriosis.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure, endometriosis can be managed to improve quality of life and fertility.

Treatment options include:

  • Pain medication
  • Hormone therapy
  • Surgery to remove endometrial growths
  • Fertility support

A personalised approach is essential and depends on severity and symptoms.

When To Seek Help

If you experience pelvic pain, heavy periods, painful intercourse, or difficulty conceiving, speak to a healthcare provider. Early detection helps prevent long term complications.

Radiation Frequently Asked Questions

Common first signs include painful periods, pelvic pain, back pain, pain during sex, and bowel or bladder symptoms.

Endometriosis can cause chronic pain, missed work, fertility issues, emotional stress, and reduced quality of life.

MRI pelvis gynaecological is the most effective scan for mapping endometriosis. Ultrasound can help but may miss mild disease.

Risk factors include early menstruation, family history, heavy periods, short cycles, and low BMI.

Book an MRI Pelvis Scan with Vitalscan

MRI scans provide crucial insight into the severity and extent of endometriosis, helping support diagnosis and treatment planning.

At Vitalscan, you can book an MRI pelvis gynaecological scan without a GP referral. We offer rapid access, expert radiologists, and high quality imaging for accurate assessment.

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