Endometriosis is when tissue, similar to the lining of the womb, is found typically in the pelvis and around the womb. Here are 4 things to know about endometriosis.

You can have endometriosis and not have symptoms. Symptoms of endometriosis include period pain, heavy periods, and pain or discomfort when going to the toilet or during sexual intercourse. Some females get some or all of these symptoms, others don’t have any symptoms at all.

Not everyone with endometriosis is infertile If you have endometriosis it is often possible to still get pregnant naturally. Sometimes you will have to have #fertility treatment such as surgery to excise or destroy the deposits, instillation of oil-based contrast to the uterus, in vitro fertilisation, or other treatments.

. Endometriosis can be very mild and very severe. There are different types of the severity of Endometriosis and it is important to understand what kind of endometriosis is severe. Generally “chocolate cysts” on the ovary or ovaries, called endometriomas are associated with severe disease. Mild deposits, often called peritioneal deposits, maybe mild in their significance and are often detected at laparoscopy in women aged over 30 years. The connection between endometriosis and infertility is difficult to predict for an individual woman. In general, ovarian endometriosis or distortion of the tubes are markers of severe. Pain is not always due to endometriosis and is not necessarily a marker of severe disease but it can be.

. There are other conditions associated with endometriosis One of the mechanisms of association of endometriosis and infertility is via concurrent adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is a condition in which the lining of the womb grows into the muscle of the wall of the uterus. It worsens with age and is associated with heavy periods, implantation failure, and miscarriage. It is complex to treat. Adenomyosis can be recognized on ultrasound scan and MRI of the uterus.

If you think you have endometriosis, speak to your doctor.