Endometriosis is a very common condition, affecting around 2 million women and girls in the UK. It can result in debilitating pain, impacting severely on quality of life and the ability to perform normal daily activities.

The major symptoms are painful periods, painful intercourse and pelvic pain.

Endometriosis is the growth of the endometrium (the tissue that lines the womb) outside of the womb, for example in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, vagina or cervix. Each month, this tissue is built up and then shed leading to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. Symptoms disappear if pregnancy occurs and after the menopause.

Although there is no cure for the condition, there are a range of treatment options available, depending on a woman's age and whether she wishes to have children in the future. Treatment during the reproductive years is mainly through the use of hormonal drugs, although laser treatment or surgery may also be necessary.