Consulting in Castle Hill and Eastwood. Delivering at The San and Norwest Private. Call (02) 9894 9225
Dr Chris SaadieObstetrician & Gynaecologist

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is common and often takes years to diagnose. If period pain is stopping you from doing everyday things, it's worth getting checked.

What is it?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, most often on the ovaries, the ligaments behind the uterus and the lining of the pelvis. It can cause inflammation, scarring and pain. In Australia it affects at least one in nine women and people assigned female at birth.

Common symptoms

  • Period pain that stops you from going to school, work or other activities
  • Pelvic pain between periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Pain with bowel movements or passing urine, especially during your period
  • Heavy or irregular bleeding
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant
  • Tiredness, bloating and low mood around your period

How it's diagnosed

Dr Saadie will ask about your symptoms and examine you. A pelvic ultrasound, ideally by a specialist gynaecological sonographer, can show some types of endometriosis, such as endometriomas (ovarian cysts). A normal scan doesn't rule it out. The only way to confirm endometriosis is a laparoscopy, a keyhole operation where the pelvis is examined and a sample can be taken.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, your age and whether you're planning a pregnancy. Options include:

  • pain relief, including anti-inflammatory medicines
  • hormonal treatments such as the combined pill, progestogen tablets or a Mirena IUD, which can reduce pain and slow the condition
  • laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove or destroy endometriosis and cysts, which Dr Saadie performs
  • support from a pelvic health physiotherapist, dietitian or pain specialist where helpful

If you're trying to conceive, Dr Saadie can talk with you about how endometriosis affects fertility and when to consider fertility treatment.

When to see a doctor

See your GP for a referral if period pain regularly disrupts your life, pain-relief medicines aren't helping, or you have pain with sex or trouble conceiving.

To see Dr Saadie, ask your GP for a referral, then request an appointment or call (02) 9894 9225.

More information

Other conditions

General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Updated November 2026.

Ready to book your first visit?

Ask your GP for a referral, then request a time at Castle Hill or Eastwood. Our team will call you to confirm.

Request an appointmentCall (02) 9894 9225
Call Request appointment