[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-de0f6834-3501-421f-b6bc-dbb1b14acbfc” background_image=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GemmaDendo-banner.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_right” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”40px||24px||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_image_phone=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GemmaDendo-banner.png” background_enable_image_phone=”on” background_size_tablet=”custom” background_image_width_tablet=”75%” background_image_width_phone=”100%” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_position_phone=”bottom_center” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-de0f6834-3501-421f-b6bc-dbb1b14acbfc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” background__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”e864d11f-3dab-4fa3-ac06-4f0e1a260807″ header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#103638″ header_font_size=”64px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.02em” header_line_height=”1.15em” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”43px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”41d5859c-fbaa-458a-88e4-5d886857f235″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#103638″ text_font_size=”21px” min_height=”246px” custom_padding=”||5px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
As common as asthma or diabetes, endometriosis is thought to affect around 1 in 10 women, girls and those registered female at birth.<\/span><\/p>\n This page provides information on endometriosis and our work to improve access to healthcare for this health issue. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”309px” height_phone=”413px” height_last_edited=”on|phone” max_height=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-de0f6834-3501-421f-b6bc-dbb1b14acbfc” positioning=”none” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-de0f6834-3501-421f-b6bc-dbb1b14acbfc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_font_size=”21px” header_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”3px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”3px|||||” custom_margin_phone=”3px||-27px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Endometriosis<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On this page:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”470″ menu_style=”centered” submenu_direction=”downwards” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”|600|||||||” menu_text_color=”#103638″ menu_font_size=”18px” background_enable_color=”off” min_height=”27px” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” sticky_position=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||2px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”201398″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”196%” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”17px” image_icon_custom_margin=”9px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The following information is based on the lived experiences and priorities expressed to us by our community. If you need medical\/health advice, please contact a GP or medical professional. Read our\u00a0medical disclaimer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”about” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” custom_padding=”||39px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Endometriosis is when tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb\u00a0 is found elsewhere in the pelvis, on the internal organs, and sometimes other areas in the body.<\/p>\n Endometriosis spots or \u2018lesions\u2019 cause localised irritation, bleeding, and inflammation. Over time, scarring and adhesions can develop from the chronic inflammation caused by these lesions. Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) can make organs inside the abdomen stick together and sometimes stop them working properly. They can also cause pain.<\/p>\n Other symptoms of endometriosis can include bloating, fatigue, bowel and bladder problems, rectal bleeding, aching back, legs, pain during sex and internal exams, and infertility. Hormone fluctuations often affect the symptoms. It can take a long time to get a diagnosis.<\/p>\n Endometriosis is a chronic (long-term) health condition but there are treatments available which can help to manage symptoms, such as hormone therapies and different types of pain-relief.<\/p>\n Surgery might also be offered, where ablation (burning the damaged tissue away) or excision (cutting out the damaged tissue) may be used. Outcomes from all of these different treatments can vary from patient to patient.<\/p>\n More information about endometriosis symptoms and treatments can be found on the Endometriosis Cymru website<\/a> and the NHS Wales website here<\/a>. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_margin=”1px|||||” custom_padding=”11px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||34px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our overall aim is to improve the quality of life for people living with endometriosis<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Endometriosis is thought to affect 1 in 10 women and girls, which makes it as common as diabetes or asthma.<\/p>\n Even though it is common, there is a lack of awareness of endometriosis and some of the symptoms may be disregarded as normal and \u2018part of being a woman\u2019.<\/p>\n It can take longer for women to seek help and when they do, it can take also take a very long time to get a diagnosis, and start effective treatment, due to a lack of training and knowledge of healthcare professionals.\u00a0<\/p>\n Because symptoms associated with endometriosis are so often normalised or dismissed, it can be difficult to seek and find support. This is just one of the reasons why there is such a long delay between symptoms starting and getting a diagnosis and treatment. Another reason is inadequate training about endometriosis amongst healthcare providers.<\/p>\n \n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In Wales, the issues with endometriosis care and research are extensive<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”48px” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We need to:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”lead” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-dd883e85-202b-42bc-b4bb-6fd0abbfcf90″ custom_padding=”||3px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-dd883e85-202b-42bc-b4bb-6fd0abbfcf90%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”treatment” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rachel-joseph.jpeg” title_text=”rachel-joseph” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cI was diagnosed with Endometriosis when I was 18 years of age and began volunteering for FTWW in April 2021. It was my lived experience of endometriosis and the challenges of accessing care (and the effect this has on your overall life), combined with the countless stories of other people\u2019s horrific experiences, that fuelled my passion for creating change for endometriosis patients and in general where female health inequalities are concerned.<\/p>\n In 2021, I decided to dedicate myself wholly to creating such change and in trying to find ways to do just that, I found FTWW, and I am so glad I did! FTWW provided so many opportunities for my voice to be heard and for me to begin (and continue) to create change for others.<\/p>\n In January 2023, I began a Health PhD Studentship funded by Health and Care Research Wales at Cardiff University. This PhD will further our understanding of how the endometriosis.cymru website and Symptom Reporting Tool can work to support more timely diagnosis of endometriosis and improve communication between patients and their general practitioners. It is the hope that, in completing this PhD, the worlds of third-sector advocacy and academic research can combine to create further impactful, relevant research for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”achievements” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”29px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our campaign activity to improve the lives of those with endometriosis is extensive. Some of our achievements are outlined below:<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F8F7E7″ icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-de0f6834-3501-421f-b6bc-dbb1b14acbfc” z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-de0f6834-3501-421f-b6bc-dbb1b14acbfc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_5_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is endometriosis?<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat are we calling for?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Our champion: Rachel J<\/span><\/h2>\n
What have we achieved?<\/h2>\n
We raise awareness through events, media, training and fundraising<\/strong><\/h5>\n