Conditions & Treatments

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common but often overlooked cause of pelvic pain, heavy periods and subfertility. Left unaddressed it can shape years of your life around the calendar of your cycle.

At The Pelvic Clinic, Mr Broome gives you an unhurried appointment, a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan built around your symptoms — from medical management through to expert keyhole surgery.

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Consultant with a patient discussing endometriosis care
Illustrated overview of endometriosis tissue growth outside the womb

Overview

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue resembling the womb lining (the endometrium) grows in other areas of the body such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel, vagina or rectum.

Endometriosis is estimated to affect 2 million women in the UK. It is seen most frequently in women between the ages of 25 and 40.

What to Look For

Symptoms of endometriosis

Sometimes no symptoms at all

Some women feel nothing unusual and only find out when they are investigated for something else.

Abnormal periods

Periods that turn heavy, irregular or far more painful than they used to be.

Abdominal, pelvic or back pain

Aching or cramping low in the tummy, pelvis or back, often worse around your period.

Discomfort during or after sexual intercourse

Deep pain during sex, or a soreness that lingers for hours afterwards.

Pain when going to the toilet

Discomfort passing urine or opening your bowels, particularly during your period.

Fertility problems

Difficulty conceiving, which is sometimes the first sign that endometriosis is present.

The severity of the symptoms is not necessarily proportionate to how serious the condition is. Even the smallest amount of endometriosis can cause severe pain.

What Causes It

Causes of endometriosis

The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to how and why it develops.

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Retrograde menstruation

Menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, where the cells implant and grow.

Microscopic image showcasing the intricate structure and texture of plant cells.

Cellular transformation

Cells outside the uterus can transform into endometrial-like tissue under the influence of hormones or other environmental factors.

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Immune system factors

A problem with the immune system may prevent the body from recognising and clearing endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.

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Genetic predisposition

Endometriosis often runs in families, suggesting genetic factors play a role in who develops the condition and how severely it presents.

Treatments Available

How we treat endometriosis

From hormonal management to expert keyhole excision, treatment is built around your symptoms, your priorities and your plans for the future.

Hormonal Management

Tailored hormonal treatment settles endometrial deposits and reduces monthly bleeding and pain. Options include the combined pill, progestogens and the Mirena coil.

Laparoscopic Excision

Keyhole surgery to excise endometriosis deposits from the pelvis with precision. Most women are home the same day and return to normal life within two weeks.

Pain Management

A layered plan of analgesia, physiotherapy and lifestyle support to control day-to-day pain. Used alongside surgical and hormonal treatment where needed.

Fertility Support

Where endometriosis is affecting fertility, we plan surgery and hormonal treatment around your goals. Referral for assisted conception is arranged where useful.

Treatments available for endometriosis
Mr Jonathan Broome, Consultant Gynaecologist

About Mr Broome

A senior specialist women travel across the UK to see

Mr Jonathan Broome (MBChB, MRCOG) is a Consultant Gynaecologist known locally and nationally for treating pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and prolapse, alongside heavy or painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids and menopausal problems. He founded The Pelvic Clinic to give women the time, care and clear answers their symptoms deserve.

  • Consultant Gynaecologist, MBChB, MRCOG.
  • Over 30 papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
  • A urogynaecology expert consulted by institutions worldwide.
  • Keyhole prolapse repair, often without the need for hysterectomy.
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In Our Patients’ Words

Treated with discretion and respect

Verified reviews from patients seen by Mr Broome, shared through Doctify.

Real Patient Journeys

Endometriosis case studies

A snapshot of the kinds of results we see for women treated for endometriosis at The Pelvic Clinic.

Alison, a patient of Mr Broome, holding her baby

Alison

A difficult labour left Alison with a uterine and vaginal wall prolapse. A keyhole sacrohysteropexy with Mr Broome lifted the uterus back into place and let her go on to have a healthy second baby.

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Jane, a patient of Mr Broome, at home after fibroid surgery

Jane

Years of flooding periods and iron-deficiency anaemia caused by fibroids. A keyhole myomectomy with Mr Broome removed the fibroids, restored Jane’s iron levels within three months and brought her cycle back to normal.

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Kate, a patient of Mr Broome, back at work after endometriosis surgery

Kate

Kate had been living with severe pelvic pain from endometriosis for over a decade. Laparoscopic excision surgery with Mr Broome removed the deposits and she returned to work and regular exercise pain-free.

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Kaye, a patient of Mr Broome, outdoors after prolapse surgery

Kaye

After menopause Kaye developed a bothersome vaginal vault prolapse that stopped her running and swimming. A laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with Mr Broome resolved the symptoms and she is back to daily exercise.

Read more

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions patients ask most often about endometriosis, diagnosis and treatment at The Pelvic Clinic. If your question is not here, please get in touch — we are happy to help.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

A laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis. Scans and examinations can suggest endometriosis, but only direct visualisation of the pelvis confirms it.

Can endometriosis be cured?

There is no permanent cure, but symptoms can be controlled very effectively with a combination of surgery, hormonal treatment, pain relief and lifestyle changes tailored to you.

Will endometriosis affect my fertility?

Endometriosis can affect fertility, but many women with the condition conceive naturally. Where fertility is a concern, treatment is planned around your goals.

Is keyhole surgery safe?

Laparoscopy is a well-established, minimally invasive procedure with a strong safety record. Recovery is much quicker than open surgery and most women go home the same day or the next.

How quickly can I be seen?

Self-pay and insured patients can usually be seen within a week or two — often much sooner than the NHS wait for a specialist opinion.

Does endometriosis come back after surgery?

It can. Recurrence rates vary, but thorough excision by an experienced surgeon significantly reduces the chance of the disease returning. Where appropriate, hormonal treatment after surgery can help keep symptoms under control.

Can I still exercise with endometriosis?

Yes — gentle, regular exercise often helps with pain, mood and general wellbeing. Many women find low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, yoga or Pilates particularly comfortable, especially around the time of their period.

Do diet changes really make a difference?

For some women, reducing inflammatory foods and adjusting fibre intake helps with bloating, bowel symptoms and overall pain. Diet alone will not treat the disease, but it can be a useful part of a wider plan.

Is endometriosis linked to other conditions?

Endometriosis is more common in women with adenomyosis, fibroids and certain autoimmune or bowel conditions. Your consultation includes time to look at the whole picture, not just one symptom in isolation.

Will I need a hysterectomy?

For most women, no. Modern treatment focuses on removing endometriosis deposits and controlling symptoms with medical or keyhole surgical options. Hysterectomy is only considered in specific cases and always as part of a shared decision.