Endometriosis · Help and support
Help with understanding your endometriosis appointment
Your GP and gynaecology team can explain your scan or operation results, the choices available and the next steps. Ask them to show you on the model what your results mean.
Open the explorer Read the guide
If you feel unwell or you are worried, ask a pharmacist or contact your GP. For urgent help, call NHS 111, or use NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or the NHS App. In an emergency, call 999. For health information, see the NHS website (nhs.uk) or the NHS App.
Your GP and gynaecology team can explain your scan or operation results, the choices available and the next steps. If you have a named nurse or doctor to contact, keep their name and direct number somewhere easy to find.
Someone to talk to
Endometriosis UK
A charity with information, support groups and an online community for people with endometriosis.
endometriosis-uk.org
Words you may hear
- Endometriosis
- A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as on the ovaries or the lining of the pelvis.
- Peritoneum
- The thin lining of the tummy and pelvis, which covers the organs there.
- Endometrioma
- A cyst on an ovary caused by endometriosis, usually filled with old blood. Sometimes called a chocolate cyst.
- Pouch of Douglas
- The space low in the pelvis between the back of the womb and the bowel (rectum).
- Deep endometriosis
- Endometriosis that grows more deeply into the tissue, for example behind the womb or into the bowel or bladder.
- Adhesions
- Scar tissue that can make organs stick together.
- Laparoscopy
- Keyhole surgery using a thin camera through small cuts in the tummy. It can be used to look for endometriosis and to treat it.
- Excision and ablation
- Ways of treating patches of endometriosis in keyhole surgery: cutting them out (excision) or destroying them with heat or a laser (ablation).
- IUS
- A small hormone coil placed in the womb (intrauterine system).
- Hysterectomy
- An operation to remove the womb.
Trusted information
NHS: endometriosis
Symptoms, tests and treatment for endometriosis.
NHS 111 online
Help if you are worried about symptoms and are not sure what to do.
Endometriosis UK
Information, support groups and an online community for people with endometriosis.
The explorer is a simplified illustration for a conversation with your team. It cannot interpret your report, make a diagnosis or tell you which treatment is right.