If period pain is stopping you from going to work, school, or doing the things you love, this is not something you should just push through. It could be endometriosis. This guide explains what endometriosis is, how to spot it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options that a specialist gynaecologist in Brisbane can offer. We also share what makes our specialist team a good choice for endometriosis care. If you want a quick self-check, try our free endometriosis symptom checker.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can be found on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the bowel, the bladder, and sometimes further away. Every month, this tissue reacts to your hormones just like the lining of the uterus does. It swells, bleeds, and causes inflammation. Because it has nowhere to go, it forms cysts, scars, and adhesions that pull on the tissues around them.

This is why endometriosis causes such deep, persistent pain. It is not “just period pain”. It is a real medical condition that needs proper care.

How common is endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 9 women and people assigned female at birth in Australia. That is about 1 million people. Despite being common, it often takes years to be diagnosed. Many women are told their pain is normal or that they are exaggerating. This delay is one of the reasons we started Northside Gynaecology: to give women a place where their pain is taken seriously from the first visit.

Symptoms of endometriosis: what to watch for

Endometriosis is primarily a pain condition. It can show up in different ways, but the most common symptoms include:

1. Very painful periods that stop you from doing your usual activities.

2. Pelvic pain that lasts beyond your period, or constant low-level pelvic ache between periods.

3. Pain during or after sex.

4. Pain when having a bowel motion, especially during your period.

5. Pain in the lower back, hips, or legs during your period.

6. Sharp pain mid-cycle around the time of ovulation.

7. Fatigue that does not go away with rest.

8. Trouble getting pregnant.

You do not need to have all of these to have endometriosis. Some women have severe endometriosis with mild symptoms. Others have small amounts of endometriosis with severe pain. If your symptoms are affecting your life, this is a good reason to see a specialist. Our common endometriosis questions blog answers many of the concerns women bring to their first visit.

A note on bleeding: endometriosis itself does not usually cause heavy or irregular periods. If your periods are heavy or irregular alongside pain, the cause is more likely to be adenomyosis, fibroids, or hormonal imbalance. We cover this in detail on our adenomyosis versus endometriosis blog. The two conditions often occur together, which is why a specialist assessment matters.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

The path to a clear diagnosis has three parts.

Step 1: The specialist consultation

A gynaecologist will listen to your full history. This includes your period pattern, your pain, your sex life, your bowel and bladder habits, and your fertility plans. Many women say this is the first time a doctor has asked them all of these questions in one visit.

Step 2: The examination and scans

A specialist examination can pick up signs of endometriosis. A pelvic ultrasound is often the first scan. In some cases, an MRI is helpful. Scans can show larger endometriosis cysts and deep infiltrating disease, but they can miss the smaller spots and mild disease.

Step 3: Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)

A laparoscopy is the only test that can confirm endometriosis for sure. It is a keyhole surgery where a small camera is placed through a tiny cut near your belly button. The surgeon can see all the surfaces where endometriosis might be hiding. Most importantly, the same operation can be used to remove or treat the endometriosis tissue at the same time. This is called excision or ablation.

Treatment options for endometriosis

There is no single “right” treatment for endometriosis. Your plan will depend on your age, your symptoms, whether you are trying to get pregnant, and how severe your disease is.

Pain relief and lifestyle

Simple pain relief medications, heat packs, gentle movement, and pelvic floor physiotherapy can all help with day-to-day symptoms. Diet also plays a role. Our blog on eating with endo offers practical tips for reducing inflammation through food.

Hormonal treatments

The combined pill, the progesterone-only pill, the Mirena IUD, and other hormone treatments can all reduce the growth of endometriosis and settle the pain. Many women use these long-term to control their symptoms.

Surgery: laparoscopy for endometriosis

For many women, keyhole surgery is the treatment that makes the biggest difference. During the surgery, the specialist removes the endometriosis tissue and any scars that are pulling on the pelvic organs. Careful excision surgery gives the best long-term results. Read our how to manage endometriosis blog for a fuller picture of what a treatment journey can look like.

The single-cut (no-scar) approach

At Northside Gynaecology, we offer single-cut laparoscopy for many endometriosis cases. Instead of 3 or 4 small cuts, everything is done through one small cut hidden in your belly button. Not every case is suitable for this approach, but many are.

Fertility treatment

If you are trying to get pregnant or thinking about it, endometriosis surgery may help. In more complex cases, we work with fertility specialists to plan the right steps for you.

Endometriosis versus adenomyosis: what is the difference?

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are related but not the same. Endometriosis grows outside the uterus. Adenomyosis grows inside the muscle wall of the uterus. They cause similar symptoms and often happen together. Treatment can be different for each, which is why a specialist assessment matters. Our detailed blog on adenomyosis versus endometriosis explains the differences in depth.

What makes an endometriosis specialist different?

Not every gynaecologist has the same experience with endometriosis. A specialist endo surgeon does this work regularly, uses advanced techniques, and has a network of physiotherapists, dietitians, and pain specialists to support you. Ask any gynaecologist how many endometriosis surgeries they perform each year and whether they use excision. These are fair questions to ask.

About Northside Gynaecology and endometriosis care

Northside Gynaecology is a specialist gynaecology practice in Brisbane. Founded in 2011 by Dr Archna Saraswat, FRANZCOG, our team focuses only on gynaecology. That means every day we care for women with endometriosis, from the first symptoms right through to complex surgery and fertility planning.

We consult from three locations across Brisbane and Moreton Bay: Kedron, North Lakes, and Caboolture Private Hospital. Many of our patients travel from across South East Queensland for our care.

What to bring to your first endometriosis appointment

To make the most of your visit, please bring:

1. Your GP referral (this lets you claim the Medicare rebate).

2. A list of any medications you take.

3. Any past ultrasound or MRI reports.

4. A note of when your last period was and how long your cycle is.

5. If you have kept a pain diary or app record, bring it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have endometriosis?

Common signs include very painful periods, pelvic pain that lasts beyond your period, pain during or after sex, pain when passing urine or bowels during your period, and trouble getting pregnant. There may be family history for Endometriosis which increases the risk of having the disease. Endometriosis itself does not usually cause heavy or irregular periods. If you have those as well, another condition such as adenomyosis or fibroids may also be involved. A specialist gynaecologist can help work out what is really going on.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis is often suspected from your symptoms and a specialist examination. An ultrasound scan can pick up some cases, but the only sure way to diagnose it is with a keyhole surgery called a laparoscopy. During the same operation the surgeon can also treat the disease.

Can endometriosis go away on its own?

Endometriosis does not usually go away on its own before menopause. Symptoms can settle during pregnancy and after menopause because of the hormone changes, but the tissue itself often stays. In some women the disease may be progressive. That is why active treatment is usually a good idea.

How long is the wait to see an endometriosis specialist in Brisbane?

Wait times can vary. Our team aims to see new endometriosis referrals within a few weeks. Urgent cases are often seen much sooner. Contact our clinic to discuss your situation.

Does endometriosis affect fertility?

Endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant for some women, but many women with endometriosis do have children. A specialist can help you plan the right steps.

Will I need surgery for endometriosis?

Not always. Some women do very well with hormonal treatments alone. Others benefit greatly from a well-planned surgery. Your specialist will help you weigh up the options.

Can teenagers have endometriosis?

Yes. Endometriosis can start with the first periods in some girls. If a teenager is missing school every month due to period pain, that is a good reason to see a specialist.

Book an endometriosis consultation in Brisbane

You do not have to live with pain that keeps you from your life. If any of the symptoms in this guide sound like yours, please reach out to our specialist team.

You can book an appointment at Kedron, North Lakes, or Caboolture. Call us on 07 3054 4687 or use the contact page. Ask your GP for a referral and bring it to your first visit. We will take the time to listen, examine you gently, and build a plan that fits your body and your life.