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Endometriosis — when period pain isn't 'just normal'

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, often causing painful periods and pelvic pain. It's common, it's treatable — and keyhole surgery can both find it and treat it.

Endometriosis — when period pain isn't 'just normal'

Key facts

What is endometriosis?

In endometriosis, tissue like the uterine lining settles in places it shouldn't — on the ovaries, the pelvic wall or nearby organs. Each month it responds to hormones and bleeds, but with nowhere to go it causes inflammation, pain and sometimes scar tissue.

It's a real, physical condition — not something to be brushed off as ordinary period pain.

Symptoms to watch for

Endometriosis can look different from woman to woman. Common signs include:

Why it's often missed

Because period pain is so often dismissed as normal, endometriosis is frequently diagnosed years later than it should be. If pain is controlling your calendar — the days you can work, exercise or simply feel yourself — that's reason enough to have it looked into properly.

How endometriosis is diagnosed

Assessment begins with your history and an examination, sometimes with an ultrasound. The most reliable way to confirm it — and treat it in the same sitting — is laparoscopy, a keyhole procedure that lets the surgeon see and remove the tissue directly.

Treatment options

Treatment is guided by your symptoms and whether you're trying to conceive:

Endometriosis and fertility

Endometriosis can make conceiving harder for some women, but it certainly doesn't rule it out. Careful, keyhole treatment of the tissue can improve both symptoms and the chances of pregnancy — which is why a considered, individual plan matters so much.

Worried about endometriosis?

A calm, clear consultation is the best next step. Dr. Ritika will explain what's going on and what your options are — no pressure, no jargon.

Questions, answered

Is severe period pain normal?

No. Period discomfort is common, but pain that stops you living your normal life is worth investigating — it can be a sign of endometriosis.

Can endometriosis be cured?

There's no one-time cure, but symptoms can be controlled very effectively with medication and keyhole surgery, and many women get lasting relief.

Does endometriosis cause infertility?

It can make conceiving harder for some, but many women with endometriosis conceive — often more easily after treatment.

What happens during laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis?

Through a few tiny cuts, the surgeon locates and removes the endometriosis tissue. Recovery is usually quick because the incisions are small.

Talk it through with Dr. Ritika

Consultations at Cloudnine Hospital, Phase 3 Industrial Area, Mohali · Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 5 PM.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ritika Gupta, MS (Obs & Gyn), FMAS, DMAS — last reviewed 2026-09-20. Aligned with guidance from bodies such as ACOG, RCOG and the NHS.

This page is for general education and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have urgent symptoms, please seek medical care promptly.