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Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment in Seoul

 Quick answer: Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing painful periods and pelvic pain. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, Dr. Eun Mi-na, an English-speaking female OB-GYN, evaluates symptoms with a pelvic exam and ultrasound and discusses medical treatment. Surgery, when needed, is arranged by hospital referral.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. It is most often found on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvis. This tissue responds to monthly hormone changes, which can cause inflammation, pain, and scar tissue (adhesions). When endometriosis forms a cyst on the ovary, it is called an endometrioma.

Endometriosis is common in people of reproductive age. The severity of symptoms does not always match the amount of disease seen.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

  • Period pain that is severe, gets worse over time, or is not controlled by usual pain relievers
  • Pelvic or lower back pain between periods
  • Pain during or after sex, especially deep pain
  • Pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during periods
  • Heavy or irregular bleeding in some people
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant
  • Tiredness, bloating, or nausea around periods

Some people have no symptoms, and endometriosis is found during an ultrasound or a fertility evaluation.

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause is not known. Possible factors include menstrual blood flowing backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis (retrograde menstruation), immune system factors, hormonal factors, and genetics. Having a mother or sister with endometriosis increases the chance of having it.

When should I see a doctor?

See a gynecologist if period pain affects school, work, or daily life, if pain is getting worse over time, if you have pain during sex, or if you have been trying to become pregnant without success.

Seek emergency care (call 119 or go to a hospital emergency room) if you have:

  • Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, especially with fever, vomiting, or fainting
  • Severe one-sided pain, which can be a sign of a twisted or ruptured ovarian cyst
  • Pain with a positive pregnancy test, which can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy

How is endometriosis evaluated at the clinic?

Dr. Eun will ask about your periods, pain pattern, and pregnancy plans, and may perform a pelvic exam. A transvaginal ultrasound can show endometriomas on the ovaries and signs of related conditions such as adenomyosis. If a vaginal exam is not suitable for you, a pelvic ultrasound through the abdomen may be used. A CA-125 or ROMA test may be discussed when an ovarian mass is found, although these tests alone cannot diagnose endometriosis.

Ultrasound cannot show every form of endometriosis. A definite diagnosis sometimes requires laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), which is done at a hospital by referral. In many cases, treatment can begin based on symptoms and exam findings.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

Treatment depends on your symptoms, age, the size of any cysts, and whether you want to become pregnant. Standard options include:

  •  Pain relief: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for period pain.
  • Hormonal treatment: combined hormonal contraceptives, progestin-only medicines (such as dienogest), a hormonal IUD, or GnRH-based medicines. These reduce or stop periods and can lower pain.
  • Surgery: laparoscopic removal of endometriosis or endometriomas may be recommended for large cysts, severe pain not helped by medicines, or some fertility situations. Eunice Women's Clinic does not perform this surgery; Dr. Eun refers patients to a hospital and can continue follow-up care afterward.
  • Fertility support: if you are planning pregnancy, a fertility consultation can help plan next steps.

Endometriosis often needs long-term management, and symptoms can return after stopping treatment. Individual results vary.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

Eunice Women's Clinic is on the 8th floor of Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The building is across the crosswalk from Seoul Subway Line 2 Seongsu Station Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk ( directions). Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, holds consultations about endometriosis and pelvic pain in English.

   
Day Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Tue, Thu 10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Sat 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
Sun and public holidays Closed

Booking is recommended. You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search "유니스산부인과"), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100 ( how to book). Call or message to check same-day availability.

Book an appointment in English

Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3

Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking

Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays

How to book · Directions · Fees

Frequently asked questions

Can endometriosis be cured?

There is no permanent cure for endometriosis, but symptoms can usually be managed. Hormonal medicines and pain relief help many people, and surgery can remove visible lesions. Symptoms may return after treatment stops, so regular follow-up is often recommended. Individual results vary.

Can an ultrasound show endometriosis?

A transvaginal ultrasound can often show endometriomas (endometriosis cysts on the ovary) and signs of deep disease in some cases. Small surface lesions usually cannot be seen on ultrasound. A normal ultrasound does not fully rule out endometriosis.

Does endometriosis affect fertility?

Endometriosis can make it harder to become pregnant for some people, but many people with endometriosis conceive naturally. If you are trying to conceive, discuss your plans early so the doctor can consider tests such as AMH and a fertility plan.

Is endometriosis treatment covered by Korean health insurance?

When medically indicated, many gynecologic ultrasounds and treatments are covered by Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) for enrolled members. Without coverage, a gynecologic ultrasound at the clinic is listed at 70,000 KRW. Prices may change; confirm with the clinic.

Can I get surgery for endometriosis at Eunice Women's Clinic?

No. The clinic is a primary-care OB-GYN clinic and does not perform surgery. If surgery is needed, Dr. Eun refers you to a hospital and can provide follow-up care and hormonal treatment afterward.

Related pages

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.