While endometriosis is common in the UK, with 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth suffering from the symptoms, the condition is still often misunderstood or dismissed.
Molly-Mae searches
To help raise awareness, popular influencer Molly-Mae has been very open about her experience with endometriosis over the last few years, posting regularly on her YouTube channel.
In fact, Benenden Health noticed that searches for “molly mae endometriosis” are up by 133% in the last three months, encouraging more conversation about the condition.
More recently, the influencer claimed that having a child ‘cured’ her endometriosis symptoms. Dr Fiona Warner, a female health GP, has commented on the effects birth and pregnancy has on the disorder:
“There’s a common belief that having a baby can cure endometriosis, but the reality is a little more nuanced. Some women do notice an improvement in symptoms during pregnancy, largely because menstruation pauses, and it’s the menstrual cycle that often drives pain and inflammation.
“However, the condition itself doesn’t go away, and symptoms may return once periods resume after pregnancy. It’s important to understand that pregnancy isn’t a treatment or cure, and decisions around having children should be based on what feels right for each individual.
“Symptoms can be managed in a number of ways, including pain relief, hormonal treatments and, in some cases, surgery, depending on personal circumstances.
“Early recognition and diagnosis can make a meaningful difference, helping women access the right support to live well with endometriosis. Everyone’s experience is different, whether they have children or not, and every woman deserves the right care and support to manage their symptoms confidently.”
To help women know what to look out for, Dr Fiona Warner has outlined the key symptoms that set endometriosis apart from typical period pain:
- Intense pelvic pain
The main symptom reported with endometriosis is pelvic pain, often linked to menstrual periods. While cramping during periods is common, people with endometriosis frequently describe pain that is much more intense and exists both before and after actual bleeding.
This pain occurs because endometrial-like tissue behaves similarly to the lining of the uterus. It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. But unlike normal menstrual tissue, it cannot leave the body. As a result, it becomes trapped leading to inflammation and this intense pelvic pain.
The severity of pain does not always reflect the extent of the condition. Some people with small amounts of tissue may experience severe pain, while others with more widespread growths may have little or no discomfort.
- Heavy bleeding
Heavy bleeding is another common symptom of endometriosis. This can show up as very heavy periods that require you to change pads or tampons frequently, sometimes every hour, or passing large blood clots.
In addition, endometriosis can disrupt normal hormonal balance and affect how the uterus contracts, both of which can contribute to heavier and longer-lasting periods.
The bleeding can be exhausting to manage and may lead to fatigue, especially if it results in low iron levels or anaemia.
- Painful sex
Pain during or after sex is a common symptom of endometriosis. It is often described as a deep, aching pain when penetration happens. The discomfort may occur during sex, immediately after, or even last for hours or days.
This happens because Endometrial-like tissue can grow in areas such as behind the uterus, on the ligaments that support it, or between the uterus and bowel.
These areas are sensitive, and movement or pressure during sex can irritate the tissue, resulting in pain.
- Disruption in the bowels
Painful bowel movements are a common symptom of endometriosis, especially during or around a period.
A woman’s period can affect bowel movements due to the release of hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals cause the uterus to contract to shed its lining, pushing on nearby intestines leading to bowel movement pain.
With endometriosis, this pain is often described as sharp cramping in the pelvis or rectum, and it can make passing stool very uncomfortable.
- Infertility or difficult conceiving
Infertility can be a worry for those with endometriosis, with some people only discovering they have the condition when they struggle to conceive.
Although Endometriosis can make conception more difficult, many people with the condition are still able to have children.
Endometriosis can affect fertility in a few ways. Endometrial-like tissue can cause adhesions that may distort the reproductive organs or block the fallopian tubes, making it harder for an egg and sperm to meet. It can also affect egg quality, ovulation, or implantation.
Conceiving can be further complicated by pain during sex. Because intercourse may be uncomfortable or even very painful, it can be difficult to have sex regularly or at the right times in the menstrual cycle, which reduces the chances of becoming pregnant.
Fertility varies widely, and having endometriosis does not automatically mean someone will be infertile. Some people conceive naturally with no problems at all, but if you are wanting more information and support speak to your GP.
For more information on endometriosis and the often disruptive symptoms of the disorder, head over to the Benenden Health Women’s Hub.
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