Endometriosis
Guides
Evidence-informed articles on every aspect of endometriosis — from first symptoms to long-term management strategies.
Key things you need
to understand
Three pillars of endometriosis knowledge — from recognising your symptoms to navigating diagnosis and understanding your treatment options.
Endometriosis symptoms go far beyond painful periods. Chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, painful bowel movements, and debilitating fatigue are all hallmarks of the condition. Many women are told their pain is "normal" — it is not. Understanding which symptoms point to endometriosis is the first step toward getting the answers you deserve.
- Severe, worsening period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
- Chronic pelvic pain outside of menstruation
- Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)
- Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during periods
- Fatigue, bloating, and nausea
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
In Kenya, women wait an average of 7–10 years for a diagnosis. Endometriosis cannot be seen on a standard ultrasound in most cases — the gold standard is laparoscopic surgery. Understanding the diagnostic pathway helps you advocate for yourself at every stage, from your first GP visit to specialist referral.
- Transvaginal ultrasound — can detect some forms (e.g. ovarian cysts)
- MRI — useful for mapping deep infiltrating disease
- Laparoscopy — the definitive diagnostic procedure
- CA-125 blood test — limited but sometimes used as a marker
- Symptom diary — a powerful tool for your first specialist appointment
- Specialist referral — ask your GP for a gynaecologist with endo experience
There is no one-size-fits-all cure for endometriosis, but there are effective ways to manage it. Treatment is individualised based on your symptoms, fertility priorities, and personal preferences (ESHRE guidelines). Options range from hormonal therapies to surgical excision — and the right path depends on your specific situation.
- Combined oral contraceptive pill — suppresses oestrogen and reduces lesion growth
- Progestins and GnRH agonists — hormonal options for pain management
- Laparoscopic excision surgery — removes lesions and can improve fertility outcomes
- Ablation surgery — destroys lesion tissue (higher recurrence than excision)
- Pain management — NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and complementary approaches
- Fertility treatment — IVF and other options for those trying to conceive
Why Endometriosis Pain Is Different From Normal Period Cramps
Understanding the neurological and inflammatory mechanisms that make endometriosis pain uniquely persistent.
The Laparoscopy Guide: What to Expect Before, During, and After
A step-by-step breakdown of the gold-standard diagnostic procedure from pre-op to recovery.
Hormonal Therapy for Endometriosis: A Plain-Language Comparison
GnRH agonists, progestins, combined pills — comparing the main hormonal options with real-world trade-offs.
Endometriosis and Work: Navigating Chronic Pain in the Workplace
Practical strategies for communicating with employers, managing flare days, and protecting your career.
Endometriosis and Fatigue: More Than Just Tiredness
The science behind endo-related fatigue, its relationship to inflammation, and evidence-based management approaches.
Ultrasound vs. MRI vs. Laparoscopy: Which Diagnostic Test Is Right?
A clear comparison of the three main imaging and surgical approaches to endometriosis diagnosis.
Excision Surgery vs. Ablation: Understanding the Difference
Why surgical technique matters — and what the evidence says about recurrence rates and long-term outcomes.
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition and Endometriosis: What the Research Says
Separating evidence from anecdote — a balanced look at dietary approaches that may reduce inflammation.