Problems with wombs and periods

Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb instead of coming away and leaving the body through the vagina as a period. It can be very painful.

A congenital abnormality in the vagina or womb is a condition you are born with. They are usually discovered when you start your period and notice a problem.

A scan will normally show where the abnormality is, and treatment will depend on the specific problem. You may need an operation to help fix what’s wrong.

An ectopic pregnancy is when an egg is fertilised by male sperm after having sex and lodges in the fallopian tube instead of in the womb. It is dangerous to your health and needs medical attention immediately. Unfortunately, the egg must be removed in an operation as it’s too dangerous to leave it to grow in the wrong place.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, in the body outside of the womb, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Overview Overview of endometriosis

What is endometriosis? Symptoms and treatment – NHS

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size.  Many women are not aware they have them because they don’t have any symptoms.

Overview of  fibroids 

Finding out about fibroids – information for patients

“I ended up hospitalised with anaemia because I didn’t understand that the heavy bleeding I was having during my periods was having that much of an effect on me. I had always had short, heavy periods and while it seemed a little different, I never thought I had iron deficiency before. It slowly became more exhausting to do things, but I had also gained weight, so I thought it was connected. When I was at the hospital being evaluated for the ablation, I asked for a blood test because walking across the hospital to the right clinic (I had gone to the wrong one first) was such a strain. I had a call the next morning from the hospital telling me my levels were so low that I needed a transfusion. My GP surgery helped get me a bed in the hospital and I felt cared for. If you have been told you have fibroids, ask what worsening symptoms to watch out for and if your periods become heavier and longer, ask for a referral”.

Menorrhagia is the medical name for long painful periods with very heavy bleeding.

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled growth that develops on an ovary. They’re very common and don’t usually cause symptoms and typically disappear within a few months without treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how your ovaries work.

PCOS – a guide for teenagers

PMS is a normal part of the menstrual cycle for many women.

PMDD is a very severe form of PMS. It can have a big impact on your physical and mental health.

For further information, visit our pages on mental health and periods: