Endometriosis Centre

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the womb (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This can affect the pelvis, bowel, bladder, and other areas.

Common Symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Painful periods that interfere with daily life
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain when opening your bowels or urinating
• Fatigue
• Difficulty getting pregnant (most people can still conceive naturally)
• Diagnosis can take time because symptoms are like adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and IBS.

What happens next?

Once your referral is received, a specialist will review it to ensure you are directed to the right clinic.

At your first appointment

You will be asked to complete a BSGE pain questionnaire, which helps us understand your symptoms.

Your consultant or clinical nurse specialist will discuss your symptoms and plan any necessary investigations, such as:

• Ultrasound scan
• MRI scan

These help assess whether endometriosis is present and its severity.

Current Waiting Times

Approximately up to 12 months for an initial appointment and there may also be a similar waiting time for your surgery, depending on the procedure and clinical teams involved.

Your Care Team

You may meet a combination of:

• Specialist Consultants
• Registrars (doctors in advanced training)
• Clinical Nurse Specialists

Our team works together, ensuring you receive consistent, personalised care throughout your journey.

After diagnosis, we will discuss the options that best suit your symptoms and lifestyle.

Medical Treatments

• Hormonal treatments (e.g. Prostap)
• Contraceptive Options
• Pain relief strategies - Can be obtained from your GP and over the counter, including Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and Codeine Phosphate.

Surgical Treatments

• Diagnostic laparoscopy
• Removal of endometriosis
• Hysterectomy (removal of the womb)
• Oophorectomy (removal of ovaries)
• Surgery involving bowel or bladder (if required
• MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) Discussions

If your case is complex, our specialist MDT will review your care.

You will receive a letter or follow-up appointment to explain the plan and next steps; this may be with a member of the medical team or a specialist nurse.

Additional specialist support

You may also be seen by:

• Urology
• Colorectal surgery
• Fertility specialists

Careful planning is required and helps us ensure your surgery is safe and that all necessary specialists are involved.

Endometriosis UK offers various options of support across the country, such as:

• Support groups face-to-face or online.
• Helplines with specialist team members.
• Web chats
• Access to specialist nurses to book a conversation over a helpline.
• Local Support Group: Birmingham & the Black Country Endometriosis UK Support Group
• A welcoming, safe space to meet others with shared experiences.

Birmingham Women’s Hospital Endometriosis helpline: 07769302289 Monday and Thursday between 1:30-3:30pm.

Emotional Wellbeing

Endometriosis can affect more than just your physical health. Emotional support is important, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. You can talk to the following:

• Your partner, friends or family
• Your GP or healthy minds support.
• Your hospital team, who can refer you for counselling or psychology services
• Professional support can help with managing pain, fertility concerns, and the emotional impact of long-term symptoms.

We at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital are here to support you throughout your treatment. Please speak with our specialists in clinic or over the helpline if you feel you need additional emotional support provided.

Support at Work

You may find it helpful to discuss the following with your manager at work:

• Flexible working patterns
• Adjustments to your roles and responsibilities
• Working from home if able.
• Workplace wellbeing support that is available.
• Your employer may be able to put measures in place to help you manage symptoms at work and understand further the support you require for your condition.