Symptoms are not only cyclical
Pain may continue after bleeding ends or occur with bowel movements, urination, sex, movement or no obvious trigger. Fatigue, bloating and nausea can also be significant.
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Understand your body. Know when to ask for help.
Explore evidence-informed information, practical tools and lived experience. Endometriosis is a chronic, whole-body disease—not a “bad period” or a condition that only matters while someone is menstruating.
What is endometriosis?
A chronic, whole-body condition
Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body. It is most often found in the pelvis, but it can also occur in the abdomen or chest.
It can be associated with inflammation, pain, scarring and adhesions. Symptoms may happen during a period, at other times in the month or every day, and can affect education, work, relationships, fertility, mental wellbeing and quality of life.
Around 1 in 10
girls, women and those assigned female at birth are estimated to live with endometriosis. Trans men, non-binary and intersex people can also be affected.
More than menstruation
Endometriosis is not a “bad period”
Severe period pain can be one sign, but endometriosis is not defined by periods alone. It is a complex chronic disease that can affect many parts of the body and daily life.
Pain does not show the extent
Someone with a small amount of visible disease may have severe symptoms, while another person with extensive disease may have less pain. Every experience deserves to be assessed on its own.
A normal scan is not the whole answer
Assessment begins with symptoms and health history and may include an examination or imaging. Some forms of endometriosis are difficult to see on a scan, so ongoing symptoms still matter.
There is no single cure.
Care is individual and may include pain management, hormonal treatment, surgery, pelvic-health support and other multidisciplinary care. Decisions should reflect symptoms, goals, preferences and informed consent.
Possible signs and symptoms
Endometriosis does not look the same for everyone. Pain severity does not reliably show how much disease is present.
Pelvic and menstrual
- Severe or worsening period pain
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Pain during or after sex
Bowel and bladder
- Painful bowel movements
- Pain when urinating
- Bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
- Symptoms that change with the menstrual cycle
Whole-body impacts
- Fatigue and low energy
- Lower-back, hip or leg pain
- Nausea or difficulty eating
- Fertility challenges and impacts on daily life
Your symptoms are real.
If pain or other symptoms are affecting school, work, relationships or everyday life, you deserve to be heard and to seek appropriate care.
Seeking diagnosis and care
A health professional can assess symptoms, consider other possible conditions and discuss options that fit your circumstances and goals.
Preparing for an appointment
- Track symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Write down your main concerns and questions
- Bring a trusted support person if you want to
- Ask what the next step is and when follow-up should happen
Assessment may include
- A detailed history of symptoms and health
- A physical examination, with consent
- Ultrasound or other imaging where appropriate
- Referral to a specialist
- Discussion of symptom management and diagnostic options
Health information
This page provides general education and support. It does not diagnose endometriosis or replace advice from a qualified health professional who understands your circumstances.
Menstrual health
Periods, pain and body literacy
Good menstrual-health education helps young people and adults understand their bodies, use period products safely, recognise symptoms that may need medical attention and advocate for appropriate support.
Periods can vary, but pain or bleeding that regularly stops someone taking part in everyday life should not simply be dismissed as normal.
Explore Periods, Pain & Real TalkLearning for everyone
EWA education is designed for schools, kura, workplaces, organisations, communities, whānau and anyone wanting to improve their understanding.
- Periods
- Pain
- Products
- Endometriosis
- PMS & PMDD
- When to ask for help