Endometriosis is a common health condition that affects millions of women around the world. If you are one of the many women who are wondering what endometriosis is, or if you are experiencing any of its signs and symptoms, then this blog post is for you.
In this post, we will discuss what endometriosis is, the symptoms, and how endometriosis is treated. We hope that after reading this post, you will have a better understanding of endometriosis and know when to see a doctor if you think you may have it.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common medical condition that affects women of childbearing age. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly affects the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis, causing scar tissue. However, in rare cases, endometriosis can also affect other organs in the body, such as the lungs, brain, and skin.
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown. However, there are several possible theories:
Retrograde menstruation:
This is when the menstrual flow goes backwards into the fallopian tubes and pelvis instead of out of the body. Some tissue from the uterus is left behind and implants itself onto other organs in the pelvis.
Heredity:
Endometriosis seems to run in families, so there may be a genetic predisposition for the condition.
Immune system disorder:
This theory suggests that the immune system doesn’t recognise and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, allowing it to thrive.
Hormones:
Certain hormones, such as oestrogen, can promote the growth of endometrial tissue.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often related to your menstrual cycle. The pain can range from mild to severe and may get worse over time. Other symptoms include:
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain with urination or bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Excessive bleeding during your period
- Infertility
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help you determine if endometriosis is the cause and develop a treatment plan.
How common is endometriosis?
It’s estimated that endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years (between the ages of 15 and 49). This means that endometriosis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting women of childbearing age.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common endometriosis symptom is pelvic pain, often related to your menstrual period. Endometriosis pain can range from mild to severe and may get worse over time. Other than abdominal pain, symptoms include:
- Chronic pelvic pain - mild to severe pain
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain with urination or bowel movements
- Excessive bleeding during your period
- Infertility
Some women with endometriosis do not experience any symptoms at all.
If you’re experiencing any of these endometriosis symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help you determine if endometriosis is the cause and develop a treatment plan.
It’s important to remember that:
- Endometriosis is not an infection
- Endometriosis is not contagious
- Endometriosis is not cancer
Risk factors
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing endometriosis, including:
- Having a family member with endometriosis. If your mother or sister has endometriosis, you’re more likely to develop it yourself.
- Never having given birth. Women who have never had children are at higher risk of endometriosis.
- Starting your period at an early age. The younger you are when you start menstruating, the greater your risk of endometriosis.
- Taking certain medications. The use of certain drugs, such as tamoxifen (used to treat breast cancer) and danazol (used to treat endometriosis), can increase the risk of endometriosis.
If you think you may be at risk of endometriosis, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can discuss your endometriosis symptoms and recommend any further testing or treatment that may be necessary.
How do you diagnose endometriosis?
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and it can take up to eight years in which to get a clinical diagnosis, meaning you may need to make multiple visits to your doctor.
When you do see your doctor, it is likely that your doctor will at first ask you about your symptoms. You might find it useful to keep an endometriosis symptom diary for a couple of months before you see your doctor so you can clearly explain the symptoms you experience. Your doctor may examine you and then may order an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to get a closer look at your pelvic organs.
In some cases, a laparoscopy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The ESHRE Guidelines published in February 2022 agreed that a laparoscopy is no longer required for a definitive diagnosis and that diagnosis should be made on the assessment of symptoms and by ultrasound scan or an MRI. If no endometriosis lesions are identified, treatment can still be prescribed to reduce your symptoms. If no lesions are seen then you may still be recommended to have a laparoscopy, but the good news is that you no longer have to wait for this to access t=much needed treatment.
During a laparoscopy, your doctor will make a small incision in your abdomen and insert a thin, lighted camera called a laparoscope. This allows your doctor to directly visualise any endometrial tissue that may be present outside of the uterus.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you. It is recommend that you are referred to a recognised Endometriosis Centre. There are centres all over the UK and there will most likely be one close to you.
How is endometriosis treated?
Endometriosis is a chronic (long-term) condition that can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.
The most common treatment for endometriosis is pain medications. This can include over-the-counter painkillers, but also hormone therapy may be prescribed, and in some cases, surgery is necessary.
Hormone therapy is often used to treat endometriosis. It works by reducing the levels of hormones that are involved in the development of endometriosis. This can help to shrink the endometriosis lesions and reduce pain.
Surgery is sometimes used to treat endometriosis. This is usually only recommended if other treatments have not worked. Endometriosis surgery can involve removal of the endometriosis lesions or destruction of the tissue with lasers or heat.
Can I get pregnant if I have endometriosis?
If you have endometriosis, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to get pregnant. The short answer is yes - but endometriosis can make it more difficult to conceive.
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This can cause pain, inflammation, and scarring. Endometriosis can also cause fertility problems by affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissues.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your endometriosis and what treatments are available. There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help improve your chances of getting pregnant.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the endometriosis tissue. This can improve your chances of conceiving, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery before making a decision.
If you’re not ready to undergo surgery, there are other treatments that can help improve your chances of conceiving. These include medication to help control the pain and inflammation caused by endometriosis, as well as hormonal treatments to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Making lifestyle changes can also help improve your chances of conceiving. These changes include reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
Some women who have endometriosis will require fertility treatment to help them conceive.
If you have endometriosis and are trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. With the right treatment plan, you can increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.
Living with endometriosis
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on your daily life such as your ability to do normal household tasks or socialise with family and friends.
Endometriosis can also impact on your relationship with your partner from intimacy to feelings of guilt, low mood, worry, frustration and helplessness for both partners.
Living with endometriosis may also impact on your ability to do your job, especially if you are experiencing pain and heavy bleeding and need to take time off work.
If you are finding it challenging living with endometriosis, make sure that you reach out for support from your GP, counsellor, endometriosis centre or via the resources listed at the bottom of this article.
Does endometriosis disappear after menopause?
Some women with endometriosis find that their symptoms improve after menopause, when their menstrual cycles stop. However, in other women, the condition may persist after menopause. Hormonal therapy may be effective in treating endometriosis after menopause, however oestrogen therapy may worsen your symptoms.
If you are thinking about starting hormone replacement therapy, speak to your doctor to understand how this might impact on your endometriosis.
Are there any long-term effects of endometriosis?
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can cause pain, fatigue, and emotional distress. In some cases, it can also lead to fertility problems. However, with treatment, most women with endometriosis are able to manage their symptoms and live normal, healthy lives.
Menopause resources and support groups
Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many resources available to help you better understand the condition and manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what options are available to you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a support group or counsellor if you need someone to talk to.
YFJ’s trusted and favourite endometriosis resources:
The Fertility Podcast - Endo and the expert
Endometriosis UK - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org
Managing Endometriosis at work - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/sites/default/files/files/Hints-and-tips-for-dealing-with-employers.pdf
An employers guide to managing endometriosis
In summary
While endometriosis can be a painful and debilitating condition, there is hope. Learning about the signs and symptoms of endometriosis is the first step in taking control of your fertility journey. If you suspect that you might have endometriosis, don’t delay in seeking out treatment. The sooner you get diagnosed and start treatment, the sooner you can find relief. At Your Fertility Journey, we are here to help you every step of the way. Book an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your endometriosis and improve your fertility.
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