Endometriosis is an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition, despite the fact that it affects millions of women worldwide. It’s characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, leading to a myriad of symptoms that can severely impact a woman’s quality of life. Despite its prevalence, misconceptions and delayed diagnoses are common, making awareness and education crucial. This blog aims to shed light on the essential facts about endometriosis, offering insight and support to those navigating this challenging condition.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus, per Mayo Clinic. This aberrant tissue growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis, and rarely beyond the pelvic organs. Unlike the lining of the uterus, which leaves the body during menstruation, the tissue outside the uterus has no way to exit, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes the formation of scar tissue.

Prevalence

According to Yale Medicine, endometriosis is far from rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years, which equates to approximately 176 million women worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it often goes undetected or misdiagnosed. Some of the symptoms of endometriosis present similarly to menstrual cramps, and sometimes it may not present obvious symptoms at all. These frequent misdiagnoses have led to endometriosis being known as “the missed disease” in medical journals such as Reproductive Biomedicine & Society.

Symptoms

Symptoms of endometriosis can vary, but the most common include:

• Pelvic pain, especially exacerbated around menstruation
• Menstrual cramps that may be more painful than normal
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstrual periods
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Infertility

It’s important to note that the severity of pain is not necessarily a reliable indicator of the extent of the condition. Some women with mild endometriosis may experience severe pain, while others with advanced endometriosis might have little to no pain.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing the condition, such as:

• Never giving birth
• Starting your period at an early age
• Going through menopause at an older age
• Short menstrual cycles — for instance, less than 27 days
• Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
• Having higher levels of estrogen in your body
• Low body mass index (BMI)
• Alcohol consumption
• One or more relatives (mother, aunt, sister) with endometriosis
• Uterine abnormalities

Endometriosis and Infertility

Doctors are unsure how exactly endometriosis affects fertility, although it’s commonly linked to female infertility. According to Johns Hopkins, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine has found that somewhere between 24% and 50% of women with infertility also have endometriosis. Milder cases of endometriosis may cause temporary infertility.

When To Consult a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs or symptoms that may indicate endometriosis, such as severe menstrual cramps, chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis, pain during or after sex, intestinal pain, painful bowel movements, or spotting between periods. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Doctors can confirm an endometriosis diagnosis through relatively noninvasive procedures like an ultrasound or MRI, but, in some cases, they may recommend a biopsy or laparoscopy.

Treatment

While there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, per Johns Hopkins. Treatment options include:

• Pain medications, such as NSAIDs, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Hormone therapy to slow endometrial tissue growth and prevent new growth outside the uterus
• Conservative surgery to remove or destroy the growths in women who wish to have children or experience severe pain and for whom hormonal treatments are not effective
• In severe cases, hysterectomy — the removal of the uterus and possibly ovaries — is considered a last resort

Endometriosis is a complex condition that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Awareness and understanding are key to managing symptoms and improving outcomes. If you suspect you have endometriosis, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. You’re not alone and help is available. With the right approach, women with endometriosis can lead healthy, fulfilling lives pain-free.