Consultants at HCA Healthcare UK’s The Wilmslow Hospital and The Christie Private Care regularly meet women who have lived with severe pelvic pain for years without answers. One of the most common underlying causes is endometriosis, a long-term condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body. These cells respond to monthly hormones, causing inflammation, scarring and often debilitating pain.
Here are five signs that your period pain may be more than ‘just period pain’:
1) Your pain stops you from living your normal life
Some discomfort during menstruation is common, but pain that disrupts your routine is not something you should ignore. Our gynaecologists frequently see women who have been told their symptoms are ‘normal’, despite pain so severe it causes vomiting, fainting or missed days at work. If your period pain forces you to cancel plans, take to your bed or rely heavily on painkillers, it may be a sign of underlying endometriosis.
2) Your pain isn’t limited to your period
Many of our patients describe pain throughout the month, not just during menstruation. Endometriosis can cause scarring, adhesions and irritation of nearby organs, leading to chronic discomfort that fluctuates but never fully disappears. Keeping a symptom diary can be extremely helpful as patterns often emerge that point towards endometriosis rather than typical cyclical cramps.
3) Sex is painful
Pain during or after intercourse is one of the symptoms our gynaecologists take very seriously. When endometriosis affects the vagina, pelvic ligaments or areas behind the uterus, sex can become uncomfortable or even impossible. This can understandably affect emotional well-being and relationships, but it is a medical issue and not something to feel embarrassed about. Specialist treatment can make a significant difference.
4) You feel pain in unexpected areas
Endometriosis is most often found in the pelvis, but our surgeons also treat cases affecting the bowel, bladder, diaphragm and, in rare instances, the chest. Because of this, pain can appear in places you wouldn’t immediately associate with your cycle, such as shoulder pain, upper abdominal pain or discomfort deep in the pelvis. If your pain feels unusual, persistent or difficult to explain, it’s worth seeking specialist assessment.
5) Going to the toilet hurts
Endometriosis involving the bowel or bladder can cause pain when passing urine or opening your bowels. Some women experience constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or even bleeding. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as IBS or urinary infections, which delays proper treatment. If bowel habits have become painful or unpredictable, a specialist review is essential.
How our multidisciplinary team supports endometriosis care
The Wilmslow Hospital and The Christie Private Care hold an accreditation from the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) as a joint specialist endometriosis centre. This accreditation recognises hospitals that provide advanced laparoscopic surgery, multidisciplinary expertise and high-quality, evidence-based care for complex endometriosis. It means our patients are treated by a coordinated team of specialists working to the highest national standards.
As a BSGE-accredited service, our hospitals bring together experts across multiple specialities:
• Mr Zeiad El-Gizawy, Dr Sujata Gupta, and Dr Nahid Gul (Gynaecologists) diagnose and surgically treat endometriosis, including advanced laparoscopic excision.
• Ms Carla Beighton (Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist) provides ongoing support, education and coordination of care.
• Mr Sajal Rai and Professor Deena Harji (Colorectal Surgeons) manage endometriosis affecting the bowel and perform joint surgeries when required.
• Mr Steve Bromage and Mr Aziz Ghulamhusein (Urologists) treat bladder and ureter involvement to protect urinary function.
• Dr Mahshid Nickkho-Amiry (Fertility Specialist) assesses and supports reproductive health, offering tailored treatment plans to optimise fertility for those affected by endometriosis.
• Dr Balashanmugam Rajashanker (Radiologist) uses specialist imaging to map disease and guide treatment planning.
• Dr Bharati Vyawahare (Pain Management Specialist) helps patients manage chronic pelvic pain with tailored strategies.
If you recognise these symptoms, you don’t need to continue suffering in silence. Our accredited endometriosis team is here to provide clarity, support and expert treatment.
If you’d like to book an appointment at The Wilmslow Hospital, our experts are ready to help. Call: +44(0)161 516 9053 or visit:
