Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, on the lining of inside of pelvis, on ovaries, bowel and many other organs. The cause is not known. Research shows that on average, it takes 7 years from the time of onset of pain to diagnosis.
Sometimes there are no symptoms and it is found by chance when a woman is having an operation. However, for many women it can be a very painful condition and it is diagnosed when these symptoms are investigated. In other cases it is identified in women who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
Surgical treatment of severe endometriosis requires special skills in advanced laparoscopic surgery and needs to be performed by a gynaecologist who is specially trained for this type of surgery and in a centre where other experienced surgeons (such as laparoscopic bowel surgeons) with expertise in this field are available.
Endometriosis affects more than 2 Million women in the UK. That is around one in ten women in their reproductive age. So it is very common.