Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women, causing tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside of it. This can lead to pelvic pain, heavy periods, and sometimes difficulty getting pregnant. While it most often affects the ovaries, endometriosis can also affect other parts of the body, like the intestines, bladder, and, in rare cases, even organs outside the pelvis, such as the lungs or brain. Suspect you might have endometriosis? Don’t panic!
This article will walk you through:
- What endometriosis is
- Who is at risk
- Symptoms
- Steps you can take moving forward
But first, what is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy periods, and sometimes difficulty getting pregnant. Though it most commonly affects the ovaries, it can also involve other areas like the bladder or intestines, and in rare cases, even organs outside the pelvis, such as the lungs or the brain.
I know this diagnosis might feel like a lot to process, but remember that understanding it is a powerful first step toward finding the right treatment and support.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t fully understood yet, but there are a few ideas that doctors believe might explain it. One of the most widely accepted ideas is Sampson’s theory of retrograde menstruation, which suggests that menstrual blood travels backward during your period and implant outside your uterus. This blood may carry endometrial cells that begin to grow in places they shouldn’t.
Another theory is the coelomic metaplastic theory, which suggests that the cells lining the pelvis can transform into endometrial-like tissue, even without any retrograde menstruation. This theory could explain why endometriosis is sometimes found in women who have never had a uterus, or even in rare cases, men.
Researchers are also investigating the role of oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and genetic factors, which might influence how endometriosis develops and spreads.
Estrogen, the hormone responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, is thought to play a significant role in the development of endometriosis. When estrogen levels are elevated or not properly balanced by progesterone, endometrial tissue can grow and cause pain.
While the exact cause is still unclear, what’s becoming more and more clear is that endometriosis is a complex condition with multiple factors at play, and you are not alone in experiencing it
Understanding the Risks
Endometriosis affects about 10–15% of women of reproductive age, and while it might feel isolating, you’re in good company. It’s also more common among women with chronic pelvic pain. The tricky thing about endometriosis is that its symptoms overlap with other conditions, so many women don’t even realize they have it until they face challenges like fertility issues.
Some factors can increase the likelihood of developing endometriosis, such as
- Starting your period at a younger age
- Having heavy or painful periods
- Never having been pregnant
But factors like breastfeeding, using birth control, and having children may help reduce the risk.
Common Symptoms You Might Experience
Endometriosis symptoms vary widely, but these are some of the most common ones to be aware of:
- Pelvic pain: This pain, often worse during your period, can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Pain during sex: Known as dyspareunia, this type of pain is often linked to endometriosis.
- Trouble getting pregnant: Endometriosis is frequently discovered when women struggle with infertility.
- Painful bowel movements or urination: Especially during your period, you might notice this symptom.
- neuropathic pain: even non-painful stimuli cause an intense, painful response.
You may also experience other symptoms like bloating, nausea, or extreme fatigue. It’s important to know that everyone’s experience with endometriosis is different, and your symptoms may change over time.
How Endometriosis Is Diagnosed
The road to diagnosis can be a long one, often taking between 4 to 11 years for many women to receive an accurate diagnosis. Why? Because the symptoms of endometriosis can overlap with other conditions, and there’s no simple test for it. It’s crucial to advocate for your health and seek the right care, whether you’re seeing a gynecologist or a fertility specialist.
Many women don’t get a clear diagnosis until after a period of trying to understand what’s going on with their body. A healthcare provider will start by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam, which might reveal things like pelvic tenderness or abnormal masses.
The most accurate way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery where a doctor can directly look inside your abdomen. However, there are also non-surgical diagnostic methods like transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can help identify certain forms of the disease.
Treatment Options
While there’s no cure for endometriosis, there are plenty of ways to manage it and ease the symptoms. The goal is to reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Treatment options include:
- Pain management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation.
- Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills, hormone injections, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate or suppress your menstrual cycle, which can reduce pain.
- Surgery: If the condition is severe, surgery might be needed to remove the endometrial tissue and improve fertility.
Keep in mind that while some women experience periods of remission, symptoms may return after treatment. However, with the right care, many women successfully manage the condition and live fulfilling lives.
Wrapping up
Living with endometriosis can be challenging, but it is absolutely manageable with the right support. It’s important to work closely with a doctor who understands the condition and can guide you in finding the right treatment plan. Many women also find it helpful to join support groups or connect with online communities for advice, encouragement, and camaraderie.
You may experience days that feel harder than others, but remember: this diagnosis doesn’t define you. It’s a part of your journey, but not all of it. With time, the right care, and a support network, you’ll find your way forward.
Source
Tsamantioti ES, Mahdy H. Endometriosis. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567777/
