Problemas de salud
Endometriosis
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraEndometriosis is a common long-term condition that can cause severe period pain. It often takes years to diagnose, so knowing the signs helps you get the right care.
What endometriosis is
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (uterus) grows outside the womb. This tissue causes swelling (inflammation) and scar tissue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it affects about 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, around 190 million people. It can start any time from the first period until menopause, and anyone who has or had a womb can get it. The cause is not known.
Common symptoms
The main symptom is pain. This can be severe period pain that stops you doing your normal activities, or pelvic pain that carries on outside your period. Other signs include heavy periods, pain during or after sex, pain when you poo or pee, bloating, feeling sick and extreme tiredness. Some people find it hard to get pregnant. Endometriosis can also affect your mental health, including depression and anxiety.
Why diagnosis can take years
Endometriosis can be hard to diagnose. WHO says the average time to diagnosis is between 4 and 12 years. A doctor will ask about your periods, pain and bleeding, and may examine you. You may have an ultrasound or MRI scan. A keyhole operation (laparoscopy), with a thin camera put in through a small cut, can confirm it. But you do not always need an operation before you start treatment. Logging your bleeding, cramps and other symptoms in Ciclo for a few cycles can help you describe clearly what is happening.
Treatments that can help
There is no cure, but treatment can ease pain and other symptoms. Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can ease pain. Hormone treatments can also help. These include the combined pill, patch or ring, progestogen options such as the hormonal IUD (coil) or the injection, and medicines called GnRH analogues. Surgery can remove patches of endometriosis and scar tissue. Talk with your doctor about which option suits you, including whether you want to get pregnant in the future.
When to see a doctor or nurse
See a doctor or nurse if you think you might have endometriosis, or if your symptoms affect your daily life, work or relationships. This includes period pain that painkillers do not help, pain that stops you going to school or work, and pain during sex. It can help to bring a record of your symptoms and say clearly how they affect you. Get emergency help if you have sudden, severe pelvic pain, or severe pain on one side and you could be pregnant.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. If period pain stops you doing everyday things, talk to a doctor or nurse.