WARNING: The Embarrassing Bodies website contains images of an explicit medical nature and nudity in a medical context.

Conditions

Endometriosis

Endometriosis

As if women didn’t have enough trouble to deal with at that ‘that time of the month’, along comes endometriosis. Around 2 million women in the UK suffer from it, and although usually diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 40, teenagers can suffer as well. Endometriosis is when cells from the lining of the womb end up elsewhere in the reproductive or digestive system. These cells thicken and bleed just like in the vagina, and on a similar cycle! However, the key problem lies with these cells having no way of leaving the body, therefore causing pain and swelling. Although there is no cure, symptoms can be managed, but if left unchecked there may be difficulty in getting pregnant, and in extreme cases it can lead to organs fusing together. Not nice…

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

i have a constant dragging feeling in my lower abdomen/ovary area and have had it since had smear test couple mths back. it really hurt and had severe pelvic pain for weeks after. doc said hed never heard of anything like it, taped computer keys and said goodbye. i always had a nagging pain in left ovary area and was due for a scan when got preg twice, back to back pregnancies and pain went, now its back and doc says unsure. he is so unhelpful and cant c other dr as he is only one there. worried its something bad. p.s i do suffer with ibs.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I'm 32 and always used to have regular 'normal' periods until I went on the pill at 19. After 7 years of using different ones (they would each work for a bit, then I'd get spotting which got heavier) I decided to have a rest from the pill. Doctors told me my periods would return to normal after 2 months, but 2 years later they were still very irregular and lasting a long time. My Gp said when I had a baby everything would "sort itself out". I had my baby nearly 10 months ago (when I was ready to!) and my periods returned with a vengence after 5 months. Now I get back pain every morning, pain like contractions in my womb and have a medium/heavy period most of the time. They just go on and on...My doctor simply does blood tests to see if I'm anaemic (and I'm not, surprisingly). I'm really worried.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

hi im 19 and have been suffering for about 3 years. about 2 days into my period i get a chronic pain in my bum and in my stomach thats so bad im doubled up in pain. i have been to my gp and he referd me to a gyno who told me i had an cyst on my overy which was causing the pain . well 1 year on and im still the same and the cyst has gone i went back to my gp and he then told me i had ibs. im really confused what should i do can anyone help??





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.


Please don't swear or be rude in your answers, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting answers. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

Hi, I know it's a while since you posted this, but wanted to let you know that I get that pain from my Endometriosis. You can only get this diagnosed with a lap, so ask the Dr to refer you to get it diagnosed. All the best

I have never had bleeding after sex until a few months ago the bleeding has stopped but it is now painfull for me and I havent pregnancy tests and all negative. My stomach is slightly swollen but not to had a period for 3 months. I have come off my pill and still have not had a period but even when I was on my pill my periods were not as they should be I.E Late, longer, not at all!! I have taken 6 pregnancy tests and all are negative, my stomach is swollen but not too noticable. I am only 19 and im in a complete mess about my situation as i fear its cancer for some reason. Can you please help me by giving me some sort of answer to what the possibility is!!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Thnx for replying adelle, the period thing was worrying me alot,but i feel reassured now :) the pain only lasts a little while and I think I may be sensitive to condoms as I get a simular pain when using strong bubble baths. I've considered a more effective contraception but dontlike the idea of all the chemicals so I think i'll try non latex x thanks again x





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I'm 19 and I have aways had painful periods, but only recently has sex become uncomfortable. I get a dull ache in my lower tummy area during and after. Also recently my actual period has started to appear darker and a lil brown at the start which is worrying me. I dont have anyone to talk to.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

The pain during sex could b tensed muscles how long does it last? If its really long lasting and painfull I would get checked out at your local sexual health clinic or doctors as 4 the periods don't worry I used 2 have it brown at the begining n its just natural cos that worried me but its just your body trying 2 settle into routine x

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

I have been suffering from really bad periods there really heavy and painfull I can't move or go out as I'm scared of anything happening as it can be so heavy and often last up 2 3 weeks... I had an implant inserted a year ago and put it down to this I also have bad backache wen I'm due on and struggle with my bowels I also got told by my gp it was ibs, people sometimes ask wen my babys due bcos my stomache is so swollen I'm sick of not knowing wat it could b HELP....





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I was at the doctors 2day n was placed on mefenamic acid 2 see if this calms things down if not were trying different methods and my doctor think it won't b endo but I'm still unsure but I guess time will tell if the pain continues on the medication then I will just go back for a second opinion but every1s comments really helped

I had the same symptoms but i never had any contraceptive i had it since i was 15 im now 19 my doctor said it was ibs when i am due on i vomit get bad backaches i look like im 5 months pregnant and the period pains are crucial evan if i take a painkiller.

I no how u feel it can b severe pain in the lower of ya back n round 2 your lower stomache or pelvis wateva but I can't do much my doctor was understanding and does want 2 try different things b4 I jump the gun n expect the worst... I wud keep goin 2 the doctors n maybe try sum contraceptives it originaly helped me wen I went onto the pill

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

i have been in pain for the past six months with a very sharp stabbing feeling near my right kidney i dont have heavy periods so it isnt period pains i have periods twice a year because ive got the implant in my arm so i rarley get them, some days i cant move and my stomach swells im also very tired ive been told by the doctors i am anemic, im only 23 im a single parent so i cant do some activities with my child because it is just too painful whats wrong with me?





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

thanks to Embarrassing Bodies i finally got diagnosed with & treated for Endometriosis last week. I have always suffered with extremley painfull and heavy periods, but then in my early 20's sex became painfull too. I'd been going to my dr for years about this, the dr said it was all in my head and i should drink wine to relax! After seening a young lady on the show with exactly the same symptoms i have been suffering with i went back to my dr, said i think i have endo and demanded to see a consultant. I was 1st sent for a scan which they diagnosed polysystic ovaries from. Then i was sent for a laparoscopy and endometriosis was diagnosed & removed. I didnt have polysystic ovaries at all. i am still recovering from the laparoscopy but once im better we are going to try for a baby. For anyone who has been dismissed by your Dr keep pestering them! Thanks so much EB, if it wasnt for this show i would still be suffering.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I started my peirds at 9yrs old an they have always been really heavey an painfull, but for the last three years i have bled every day, very heavey an very painful. ive tried all the pills an injections an implants an i now have the coil which has been changed twice by diffrent surgens. ive also had a hystoscopy an laperoscopy an they cant find anything wrong, the last surgen i seen told me to have a baby as this might kick start my hormones or they would advise a hystorctomy! im only 20 an dont really feel ready for either of them.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.


Please don't swear or be rude in your answers, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting answers. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.



Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.



Please don't swear or be rude in your questions, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting questions. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines


Important Notice

The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here


More Information

  1. Consultation: Painful Penis

    In Videos - Dr Jessen treats a patient whose pleasures in life have been severe…

  2. Consultation: Prostate Cancer

    In Videos - Dr Jessen treats a patient whose Prostate Cancer has worsened in re…

  3. Consultation: Vaginal Prolapse

    In Videos - Dr Harper examines a woman who has suffered a prolapsed vagina afte…

  4. Consultation: Enlarged Labia

    In Videos - A woman comes to see Dr McKenna about her enlarged labia.

  5. Boys, Boys, Boys

    In Episodes - Episode 3 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies takes a closer look at bin…

  6. Teens Below the Belt

    In Episodes - Episode 4 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies tackles conditions includi…

  7. Doctor Responses: Endometriosis

    In Videos - Dr Pixie answers your most frequently asked questions about endomet…

  8. Vaginas

    In Episodes - The EI team roll into Norwich to setup a clinic in one of the count…

  9. We're Coming to Get You!

    In Episodes - The Docs are back, and this time they're coming to get you!

  10. Am I Normal?

    In Episodes - Episode 2 of Embarrassing Teenage Bodies looks at conditions includ…

  11. Consultation: Acne Scarring

    In Videos - A patient comes to see Dr Harper about treatment for the scarring c…

  12. Consultation: Acne Keloidalis

    In Videos - A patient receives treatment for the disfiguring condition Acne Kel…

  13. Consultation: Ichthyosis

    In Videos - Dr Harper treats a women for the skin condition Ichthyosis, with am…

  14. Consultation: Breast Reconstruction

    In Videos - Dr Jessen treats a breasts cancer survivor who wants to receive an…

  15. Consultation: Urinary Incontinence

    In Videos - Dr Jessen meets a woman whose problem bladder is ruling her life, b…


More Information

Content supplied by NHS Choices

Endometriosis is a common condition in which small pieces of the womb lining (the endometrium) are found outside the womb. This could be in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel, vagina or rectum. Read More »

Be On Embarrassing Bodies

If you have a medical condition that you’d like the doctors to look at then please contact the team on 0121 224 8395.
Apply for the show here >