How common is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs in around one in ten women of reproductive age, and it is most often diagnosed in women in their thirties and forties, though it can affect younger women as well.
Can endometriosis affect my ability to fall pregnant?
Endometriosis is linked to fertility difficulties in a meaningful number of cases, though many women with the condition do conceive without assistance. Inflammation and adhesions can interfere with how the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus function together, and in more severe cases, scar tissue can block the fallopian tubes. This is a conversation worth having early if falling pregnant is a current priority for you.
Is endometriosis the same as painful periods?
Not necessarily. Many women experience some discomfort during menstruation without having endometriosis. What tends to set endometriosis apart is pain that is severe enough to disrupt daily life, that occurs outside your period as well, such as during sex or bowel movements, or that has been getting worse over time.
Do I need surgery to be diagnosed?
Not usually. Detailed imaging, known as endometriosis mapping, is now the first-line way to diagnose endometriosis and is particularly reliable for more severe disease. Laparoscopy is recommended when scans are negative but symptoms still point to endometriosis, or when symptoms persist despite medical treatment.
What is endometriosis mapping?
It is a detailed 2D and 3D transvaginal ultrasound, supported by MRI where needed, that charts where endometriosis is and how deeply it has grown. The findings guide whether medical therapy or surgery is the better starting point, and how any surgery should be planned.
Can endometriosis affect the bowel or bladder?
Yes. Deep infiltrating endometriosis can grow into the bowel wall or the urinary tract, and less often reaches the diaphragm. When mapping shows this, surgery can be planned with a colorectal surgeon or urologist operating alongside Dr Groenewald in a single procedure.
Is robotic surgery available for endometriosis?
Yes. Dr Groenewald performs both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted excision surgery. The choice between them depends on the extent and location of your endometriosis, along with practical considerations such as medical aid cover, which varies between schemes for robotic procedures.
Will my symptoms come back after treatment?
They can. Surgery and hormonal treatment both bring meaningful relief for most women, but endometriosis can recur, particularly in more advanced cases. Ongoing management and regular follow-up help extend the period of relief for as long as possible.
What should I do if I think I have endometriosis?
Start by having a conversation with a gynaecologist about your symptoms, ideally before pain has become severe enough to disrupt daily life. Bringing a record of your cycle and symptoms, even a rough one, helps make that first consultation more useful, and no endometriosis questions are too small to raise once you are there.
