At Ovara Health located in London our experts provide one stop solution to endometriosis. We are a trusted name in Women’s Health and our experts are able to diagnose endometriosis in most cases during the first clinic visit.
Understanding Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Modern Treatments
Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) starts to grow outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and pelvic lining. Despite its high prevalence, endometriosis is still widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and under-treated, especially in South Asian and immigrant communities where stigma and lack of awareness further delay care.
How Does Endometriosis Develop?
The exact cause of endometriosis is still not fully understood, but several theories exist. These include retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity), genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, and hormonal influences. Over time, the ectopic endometrial tissue continues to respond to hormonal cycles, leading to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of painful adhesions and cysts known as endometriomas.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis vary but commonly include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pain with bowel movements or urination
- Infertility
- Fatigue and bloating
Many women suffer for years before receiving a diagnosis, often being told their pain is “normal.” This delay is even more pronounced in minority communities, where language barriers, cultural taboos, and limited access to specialist care can exacerbate the struggle.
How Is It Investigated?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed history and pelvic examination. Imaging such as transvaginal ultrasound or MRI can help identify ovarian endometriomas and deep infiltrating lesions, though early disease may not be visible. The gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualisation and biopsy of lesions.
At Ovara Health, our approach is advanced and patient-centred. We use high-resolution ultrasound, expert sonographers, and advanced MRI techniques to help detect signs of deep endometriosis even before surgery.
Medical Treatments – Including the Modern Options
Medical management aims to reduce symptoms and suppress the hormonal activity driving the disease. Common treatments include hormonal contraceptives, progesterone therapy, and GnRH agonists or antagonists.
One of the most promising new therapies is Dienogest (Visanne), a modern oral progestin that offers long-term control of symptoms with a good safety profile. It is particularly helpful for women who want to delay surgery or are not ready to conceive.
Surgical Treatments – Including Robotics
When medical management is not sufficient, surgery remains the most effective way to treat endometriosis, especially in severe or deeply infiltrating cases. The goal is to excise (cut out) the disease completely while preserving fertility and reducing pain.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers unmatched precision, 3D visualisation, and better access to hard-to-reach areas. It allows meticulous excision with minimal trauma, leading to quicker recovery and fewer complications.
What Mr Raza Offers?
Mr. Amer Raza is a world-renowned endometriosis surgeon and robotic expert based at Ovara Health and Cromwell Hospital, London. He leads a multi-disciplinary team offering complete care—from diagnosis to advanced medical therapies to cutting-edge robotic surgery. Mr. Raza is also one of the few surgeons in the UK performing single-port robotic surgery, which minimises incisions and improves cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Through education, empathy, and innovation, Mr. Raza is transforming endometriosis care for women across the UK and internationally.
