Endometriosis (incl. bowel, bladder, diaphragmatic endometriosis)

Endometriosis: A Guide to Symptoms, Causes and Private Treatment in London

Endometriosis affects more women than you think — and it’s often undiagnosed for years. This chronic, sometimes debilitating condition can creep up on you and disrupt your daily life, causing persistent pain, fatigue and in some cases, fertility issues. If you’re experiencing heavy periods, ongoing pelvic pain or extreme tiredness, your symptoms need attention — and an explanation.

Whether you’re just starting to investigate your symptoms or already have a diagnosis, understanding what endometriosis is — and how it can be managed — is key to taking back control. At Happiher, we want to change the experience for women who’ve been ignored, misdiagnosed or left without options by offering rapid access to specialist care, clear answers and treatments that put you first.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is found outside the womb, usually in the pelvis. This endometrial-like tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder or the peritoneum — the lining of the pelvis.

Each month this tissue responds to hormonal cycles just like the womb lining does. But while your period sheds from the body, this tissue has no outlet, leading to inflammation, scarring, adhesions or ovarian cysts. It can affect anyone of any age, including postmenopausal women and its symptoms are often cyclical but not always predictable.

How common is Endometriosis?

It’s estimated that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in the UK although many cases go undiagnosed due to the complexity of symptoms and delays in recognising the condition. Studies show it can take up to 10 years for a woman to get an accurate diagnosis. Teenagers in particular may find it hard to access adolescent gynaecology services that take their symptoms seriously — leading to unnecessary suffering and delayed care.

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis symptoms can vary widely between individuals. For some the pain is severe and obvious. Others may have mild or no symptoms at all making diagnosis tricky.

Common symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain that worsens before or during menstruation* Heavy or prolonged periods

• Painful sex

• Painful urination or bowel movements, especially during periods

• Chronic fatigue

• Abdominal bloating (often referred to as “endo belly”)

• Difficulty conceiving

You must take these symptoms seriously. Whether you’re experiencing one or several of the above, talking to a specialist about them can lead to earlier investigation and treatment.

What causes Endometriosis?

The exact causes of endometriosis are unknown but several theories have emerged:

• Retrograde menstruation: where menstrual blood flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis

• Genetic predisposition: the condition can run in families

• Immune dysfunction: where the immune system fails to eliminate cells growing outside the uterus

• Hormonal imbalances: particularly high oestrogen levels

Please note none of these are within your control. Endometriosis is not caused by anything you’ve done — and it’s not just a bad period.

How is Endometriosis different from Adenomyosis?

Patients often ask about the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis as they can share similar symptoms and may even occur together.

• Endometriosis is tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the womb

• Adenomyosis is the endometrial tissue growing into the muscular wall of the uterus

Both can cause painful, heavy periods and affect fertility. Differentiating between them usually requires advanced imaging or diagnostic procedures. That’s why seeing a gynaecologist with experience in pelvic pain and reproductive health is key to an accurate diagnosis.

How is Endometriosis diagnosed?

Getting a diagnosis can be a long and frustrating journey especially when symptoms are misinterpreted or misattributed to conditions like IBS, anxiety or “normal” period pain.

At Happiher, your assessment will start with a consultation and may include:

• A pelvic exam

• Transvaginal ultrasound, useful for detecting ovarian endometriomas

• MRI scans for suspected deep endometriosis

• Diagnostic laparoscopy — a minimally invasive keyhole surgery that’s the gold standard for confirming the condition

Other tools like hysteroscopy and blood tests may be used as part of a one-stop evaluation.

Fertility and Endometriosis

Endometriosis can affect fertility by distorting the pelvis, causing inflammation or disrupting ovulation and implantation. But many women with endometriosis conceive naturally and others with help from fertility treatments.

What’s most important is getting the right care early — especially from a gynaecologist experienced in minimally invasive surgery and fertility-preserving treatment approaches.

Endometriosis Treatment Options

There is no cure for endometriosis but there are effective treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your age, symptoms, reproductive goals and the severity of your condition.

Medical Treatments

Medical management may include:

• Hormonal therapies to suppress ovulation (such as progestogens, the pill or a Mirena coil)

• Targeted pain relief depending on your symptoms and menstrual cycle

This approach aims to reduce inflammation and slow down endometriosis.

Surgical Treatments

When medical management isn’t enough, surgery may be needed — especially if fertility is affected or pain is severe.

At Happiher we offer:

• Laparoscopic excision surgery to remove (not just burn) endometriosis deposits

• Robotic-assisted surgery, ideal for complex or deep pelvic disease requiring precision

• Fertility-sparing techniques, where possible, to preserve reproductive potential

Our consultants specialise in robotic surgery and advanced laparoscopic techniques to get you back to normal life as soon as possible.

Multidisciplinary Support

Managing endometriosis isn’t just about treating physical symptoms. The emotional and mental impact can be just as big. We work with a network of pain management specialists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and fertility consultants to give you a patient-centred experience.

Innovations in Surgical Care

At Happiher we use the latest technology like robotic-assisted surgery and ultrasound-guided techniques to treat complex gynaecological conditions. These procedures reduce recovery time, complications and improve surgical precision — especially for women with fibroids, PCOS or overlapping pelvic pain conditions.

We guide you through treatment options with clarity so you’re supported before, during and after your procedure.

Living with Endometriosis

Endometriosis isn’t always visible but it can impact your daily life from work and relationships to overall wellbeing. At Happiher we take a woman-centred approach — giving you answers, continuity of care and a team that listens.

From your first consultation to treatment and ongoing support you’ll be treated with respect for your concerns, your time and your goals.

Why Women Choose Happiher

Patients choose Happiher for expert-led, bespoke care in a warm and reassuring environment. We offer:

• Immediate private appointments

• On-site imaging and diagnostics

• Expertise in keyhole surgery and robotic gynaecological procedures

• An all-female team across London’s top private hospitals including Chelsea & Westminster, The Lister and The Wellington

Our one-stop approach means you can have your assessment and treatment plan in one visit, reducing the process and uncertainty.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re experiencing symptoms that might be related to endometriosis don’t accept dismissal or delay. You deserve compassionate, expert care — and solutions.

Book an appointment today with one of London’s top endometriosis specialists and start your journey to long-term relief.