Endometriosis Causes and Symptoms

Endometrium is a tissue that lines the uterus. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium grows outside the uterus, which often causes noticeable symptoms. Most patients develop endometriosis several years after starting their periods.

The endometrial tissue growth often occurs around pelvic tissue, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus. The displaced endometrial tissue still functions as it would inside the uterus; it thickens and breaks down during menstruation, which can cause extreme discomfort and pain.

While the cause of endometriosis is unknown, some scientists believe that endometrial cells travel through the blood or lymphatic system. Tissue might also move up the fallopian tubes during menstruation, and there’s some evidence that endometrial cells could become transplanted into tissue during a cesarean section. Some research suggests that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing endometriosis.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain during the menstrual cycle. Additional symptoms include:

• Pain during intercourse
• Excessive cramping and digestive issues during menstruation
• Excessive bleeding during or between periods
• Lower back pain
• Painful bowel movements or pain during urination

When left untreated, endometriosis can cause impaired fertility, and the condition may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Endometriosis is often difficult to manage, but patients have options — by working with a qualified physician, a woman with endometriosis may be able to reduce symptoms significantly.

Understanding Treatment Options

The first step in endometriosis treatment is getting an official diagnosis from a medical professional. Many of the symptoms of endometriosis are similar to other conditions, and a doctor will need to confirm the diagnosis before treatment can begin.

Endometriosis is categorized into four stages depending on how much the endometrial tissue has spread into other areas. A person’s pain experience isn’t necessarily tied with these stages. In other words, a person with stage 1 endometriosis could have excessive pain, whereas a person with stage 4 might not experience pain at all.

Treatment plans typically involve medications or surgery. A patient’s treatment plan is influenced by their overall health, the progression of the tissue growth, and the patient’s preferences. Some patients simply take over-the-counter pain medications, receiving occasional check-ups to monitor their endometriosis.

However, if symptoms are extremely disruptive — for instance, if the patient cannot live normally due to pain, or if the condition might cause infertility — a doctor might recommend additional treatments. These might include:

• Hormone Therapies- These treatments are intended to slow or stop the excessive growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Patients' symptoms may return when they stop taking hormone therapies. Some patients take contraceptives (birth control pills) to manage their endometriosis, but physicians may recommend a number of medications.
• Laparoscopic Surgery- Surgeons remove the endometrial tissue, which may reduce pain and other symptoms. Some patients require several surgeries.
• Hysterectomy- In extreme cases where infertility is not a concern, doctors may remove the patient’s uterus and ovaries to prevent further endometrial growth. This causes menopause, which carries serious risks in younger women. Patients who receive hysterectomies should talk with their doctors to understand and minimize these risks.

Some patients may benefit from complementary at-home treatments. These are not intended to replace medical intervention — complementary treatments simply reduce pain and discomfort. People with endometriosis might use heating pads, warm baths, physical activity, and over-the-counter supplements to manage pain.

It’s important to discuss these therapies with a doctor, particularly when considering supplements or dietary changes. Some supplements can interact with hormone therapies or cause undesired side effects.

Researching Endometriosis Information Online

People with endometriosis should always consult their doctors when experiencing serious symptoms. Internet resources can provide helpful information for managing endometriosis, but patients should evaluate online information carefully.

When researching, it’s helpful to look for at least 3-4 sources that support factual claims. It’s also important to remember that endometriosis cannot be self diagnosed — to begin medical treatment, patients must receive a professional diagnosis.

Endometriosis requires medical intervention, and researching online can be helpful when having conversations with a physician. By using resources on the internet, patients can build a better understanding of the condition and explore potential treatment options.