What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t — such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel or bladder. These cells respond to hormonal changes during your monthly cycle, often leading to inflammation, pain and, in some cases, fertility issues.
It’s more common than many people realise and often takes years to diagnose. At Manchester Women’s Health, we recognise the impact it can have on every part of your life and work with you to find the most appropriate treatment and support.
Common Symptoms
Endometriosis affects people in different ways, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Painful or heavy periods
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that gets worse during your cycle
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when going to the toilet
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty getting pregnant
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you’re not alone — and there are treatment options available.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a detailed consultation and examination. We may recommend an ultrasound or MRI scan, depending on your symptoms. In some cases, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) may be used to confirm the diagnosis and treat the condition at the same time.
Treatment Options
Your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs, based on your symptoms, age, and whether you’re trying to conceive.
Options may include:
- Pain relief and hormone-based treatments
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove or reduce endometrial tissue
- Advanced robotic surgery for complex cases
- Ongoing monitoring and support to manage symptoms
We’ll always take the time to explain your options clearly and support you in making the decision that feels right for you.
Why Choose Manchester Women’s Health?
- Led by Dr Sujata Gupta, a recognised expert in endometriosis and minimally invasive surgery
- Individualised care with appointments available Monday to Saturday
- Access to advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures
- A caring, patient-centred approach with no long waiting lists
At Manchester Women’s Health, Dr Sujata Gupta leads a team renowned as endometriosis specialists. She has carefully brought together a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of expert care. Alongside Dr Gupta, this team includes;
Consultant Urological Surgeon
Mr Stephen Bromage
MBBS, BMedSci, MRCS, FRCS (Urol)
Mr Stephen Bromage is a leading Consultant Urological Surgeon with extensive expertise in general urology, urological cancers, and male infertility. Based in Greater Manchester, he is recognised nationally for his work in robotic kidney surgery and complex fertility treatments. Known for his calm, professional manner, he brings together clinical precision with compassionate, patient-focused care.
Education and Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
- MBBS – Newcastle University, 1999
- BMedSci – Newcastle University, 1996
Professional Qualifications
- MRCS – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
- FRCS (Urol) – Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Urology
- CCT – Certificate of Completion of Training in Urology
- PGCertMedEd – Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education (University of Dundee)
GMC Registration
- GMC No: 4652951
- On the specialist register since 2012
Professional Memberships
- British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS)
- BAUS Oncology and Andrology Sections
- British Fertility Society (BFS)
- European Association of Urology (EAU)
- British Medical Association (BMA)
Specialist Interests
- Robotic and laparoscopic kidney surgery
- Prostate and kidney cancer
- Male infertility and andrology
- Vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval (PESA/TESA)
- Benign prostate disease
- Urinary stone disease
- General urology including LUTS and scrotal surgery
Experience and Achievements
Mr Bromage holds a substantive NHS consultant post at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, with clinics also at Macclesfield, Tameside, Wilmslow, Spire Manchester, and The Christie Private Care. He is one of the UK’s highest-volume renal robotic surgeons and has pioneered innovative techniques, including the UK’s first laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using green dye guidance.
He is also an expert in male infertility surgery, including microsurgical vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval, and has published extensively in this field.
Alongside his clinical work, Mr Bromage is a committed educator. He holds a Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Dundee and teaches medical students and healthcare professionals at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon
Mr Sajal Rai
MBBS, MD, FRCS, FRCS (Gen Surg)
Mr Sajal Rai is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with over a decade of experience in laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery. He specialises in bowel cancer, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and pelvic floor disorders. Based at Stepping Hill Hospital, he also works privately across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Mr Rai is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with gynaecology teams on complex cases involving endometriosis.
Education and Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
- MBBS – Pondicherry University, India, 1992
- MD – Colorectal Cancer Risk, University of Leicester, 2007
Professional Qualifications
- FRCS (Edinburgh) – 1997
- FRCS (General Surgery) – 2008
- Fellowship in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery – University Hospitals Bristol, 2008
- CCT – Certificate of Completion of Training in General Surgery
GMC Registration
- GMC No: 4683506
- On the specialist register since 2008
Professional Memberships
- Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPGBI)
- Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Member of pelvic floor and general surgical societies
Specialist Interests
- Laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery
- Bowel cancer, IBD, and diverticular disease
- Pelvic floor disorders and endometriosis surgery
- Gallbladder surgery and hernia repair
- Anorectal conditions including piles, fissures, and fistulas
- HALO and Rafaelo procedures
Experience and Achievements
Mr Rai was appointed Consultant Surgeon at Stepping Hill Hospital in 2010. He has led several key initiatives, including the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS Plus) programme, significantly improving patient outcomes following major bowel surgery.
He introduced robotic-assisted colorectal procedures at his trust and now mentors colleagues in advanced minimally invasive techniques. Mr Rai is also the Clinical Director of the Greater Manchester Colorectal Pathway Board, supporting regional improvements in cancer care and diagnostics.
He is actively involved in postgraduate education and examines for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon
Mr Finlay Curran
MBChB, FRCS (Glasg)
Mr Finlay Curran is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in both NHS and private practice. He specialises in colorectal cancer, pelvic floor disorders, hernia repair, and laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. Mr Curran is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with gynaecology teams on complex pelvic conditions such as rectal endometriosis and pelvic mesh complications. He combines surgical expertise with a strong commitment to patient-centred care and education.
Education and Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
- MBChB – University of Glasgow, 1989
Professional Qualifications
- FRCS (Glasg) – Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, 1993
GMC Registration
- GMC No: Verified via NHS credentialing
- On the specialist register in general surgery
Professional Memberships
- Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPGBI)
- The Pelvic Floor Society
- British Medical Association (BMA)
Specialist Interests
- Colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease
- Pelvic floor disorders and anorectal conditions (haemorrhoids, fissures, fistulae)
- Laparoscopic and open hernia repair
- Endoscopy for bowel disorders
- Complex pelvic surgery including rectal endometriosis and mesh complications
Experience and Achievements
Mr Curran was appointed Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Stepping Hill Hospital in 2001, where he also served as Clinical Director. He later joined Manchester Royal Infirmary in 2010, where he developed a regional tertiary service for colorectal and pelvic floor surgery.
During his specialist training, he completed a travelling fellowship in minimally invasive surgery in Germany. He is currently the lead colorectal pelvic floor surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary and works closely with gynaecology colleagues on advanced pelvic procedures.
He is a former Royal College Tutor and Divisional Lead for postgraduate education, and a member of the Manchester Expert Research Group into Endometriosis (MERGE). Mr Curran regularly teaches and lectures, and is active in clinical trials and service development across the region.
Consultant Radiologist
Mr Balashanmugam Rajashanker
MBBS, MS, FRCR
Mr Balashanmugam Rajashanker is a Consultant Radiologist with specialist expertise in urogenital, gynaecological, oncology, and chest imaging. Based at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, he supports multidisciplinary teams through advanced diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive image-guided procedures. He is known for his calm, collaborative approach and meticulous attention to clinical detail.
Education and Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
- MBBS – Bharathidasan University, India, 1990
- MS – Master of Surgery (General Surgery), India
Professional Qualifications
- FRCR – Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists
- CCT – Certificate of Completion of Training in Clinical Radiology
GMC Registration
- GMC No: 4566423
- On the specialist register since 2010
Professional Memberships
- Royal College of Radiologists (RCR)
- British Society of Urogenital Radiology (BSUR)
- British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR)
Specialist Interests
- Urogenital and gynaecological imaging (including endometriosis)
- CT and MRI of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- Oncology and musculoskeletal radiology
- Non-vascular interventional procedures (e.g. biopsies, drainages, lung ablation)
Experience and Achievements
Mr Rajashanker is a Consultant Radiologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary and St Mary’s Hospital. He is lead for gynaecological radiology within the trust and contributes to a wide range of specialist imaging services in oncology, musculoskeletal, chest, and abdominal radiology.
He regularly performs image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and has extensive experience in non-vascular interventions. Mr Rajashanker plays a key role in multidisciplinary team discussions, particularly in oncology and urogynaecology.
He is also active in education, training junior radiologists and medical students. He has contributed to radiology literature, including Chapman & Nakielny’s Guide to Radiological Procedures, and provides expert witness reports in his medicolegal practice.