What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the tissue that lines the womb (uterus) grows outside of the womb, mostly in the pelvis.

The lining of the womb is shed from the body in the form of a period (as long as no eggs have been fertilised). The abnormal tissue growing outside the womb will try and do the same thing, but as it is not inside the womb, there is no way for the blood to escape the body as it is stuck inside the tummy. This is what can cause pain as it sets off inflammation.

Don’t worry – endometriosis cannot kill you and you can’t pass it on to anyone, but if you don’t have treatment you could become infertile.