What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when your uterine lining, or endometrium, grows outside of your uterus.
Your endometrium lining builds up every month during your menstrual cycle as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, it breaks down and causes the bleeding associated with your menstrual cycle.
When endometrium begins growing outside of the uterus, it continues thickening and breaking down as it would normally. As it grows in other areas inside your pelvis -- like the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and lining of the pelvis -- this displaced tissue can cause irritation and inflammation.
In some cases, endometriosis can lead to scar tissue and adhesions that make organs and tissues in your pelvis to stick together. It can also lead to infertility.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is a pain in your pelvic area. Additional symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fertility issues
- Bloating or nausea
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Heavy periods or bleeding between periods
- Painful periods with pelvic pain and cramping
It’s possible to have endometriosis without having any pain at all. Sometimes, a woman learns she has endometriosis when she’s having fertility problems.
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t known, but several factors could play a role, including:
- Genetics
- Uterine abnormalities
- Cell changes triggered by estrogen
- Disorders affecting the immune system
- Pelvic surgeries like hysterectomy or cesarean section
- Menstrual fluid flowing back into the pelvic cavity (retrograde menstruation)
Your risk of developing endometriosis is higher if you’re underweight, have never given birth, started menstruating at a young age, or reach menopause at an older age.
How is endometriosis treated?
At MyDoc Women’s Health Specialist, your team member works closely with you to develop an endometriosis treatment strategy personalized to your condition and desire to have children.
In addition to conservative therapies like over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your pain, they might also suggest:
- Hormone therapy like contraceptives
- Traditional surgery to remove endometrial tissue, but preserve your uterus and ovaries
- Total hysterectomy to remove the uterus, cervix, and ovaries
Call or schedule an appointment online today for more information on endometriosis treatment at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists.
