Advice for women experience severe pain ahead of awareness week

Endometriosis is a common condition affecting young women and is caused when tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found in other parts of the body.

Saturday marks the start of Endometriosis Awareness Week.

Christopher Guyer, a specialist in the condition at Portsmouth Spire Hospital, said: ‘Endometriosis is probably the commonest gynaecological condition affecting young women.

‘If you experience severe pain around the time of your period and perhaps have bowel symptoms such as diarrhoea, frequency and pain, you should see your GP and ask about being referred to an endometriosis specialist.’