ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis (Endo) is a condition where the endometrial tissue (usually found in the lining of the uterus) grows in other parts of the body. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue grows, bleeds, and breaks down, but tissue growing outside the uterus has no way to leave the body, causing inflammation and swelling. This process can lead to scar tissue on surrounding organs, including adhesions that can interfere with their normal functioning. It is not known what causes endometriosis and it is thought to be a common condition, though highly under diagnosed.

Symptoms of Endo can include:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) – cramping and pain that can start several days prior to bleeding and continue days into a period. Pain can extend into other areas of the body, including lower back, and legs
• Excessive bleeding during menstruation and possible spotting between periods
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Pain with urination or bowel movements
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness before and during your period
• Bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and/or constipation around the time of your period

Endo is also related to infertility and often diagnosed when a patient is investigating or treating infertility.

Endo symptoms may be similar to a number of other conditions, making diagnosis sometimes complex. Diagnosis can also take a significant amount of time due to various diagnostic procedures sometimes required, as well as a general denial of women’s pain and lack of understanding of women’s health conditions in the medical profession. As with many chronic conditions, treatment generally starts conservatively with medications and can progress to surgery depending upon the goals of the patient.

For more information, see the Mayo Clinic’s website.