What is Endometriosis? Learn The Causes & Symptoms

Endometriosis is an often painful condition which is said to affect around five million American women. However, the number of women suffering from the condition may actually be higher due to how long it can take to get a diagnosis.

Here, we’ll look at what endometriosis is and what causes the condition.

What Is It?

Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside of the womb. It can start to grow within the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and across the pelvic area.

The trouble is, once this tissue breaks down, it doesn’t have anywhere to go. This leads to the development of severe cramping, cysts and heavier periods. In some cases, it can even cause issues with fertility.

In severe cases, the tissue can grow in the cervix, vagina, bladder or bowel. There is also the possibility it can spread and grow to other areas of the body such as the lungs, although this is extremely rare.

What Causes the Condition?

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t known. However, there are a number of theories.

One of these theories is that blood containing endometrial cells travels back through the fallopian tubes during menstruation. The cells settle within the tubes, growing a new lining. There is another theory that the endometrial cells are carried throughout the body by the bloodstream.

Endometrial cells can also attach to surgical incisions after procedures such as a hysterectomy or C-section, according to another theory. There is also a theory that immune system disorders can cause the body to be unable to recognize the endometrial tissue growth, meaning it won’t try to break it down.

Whatever the cause, the condition can cause a lot of misery to those who develop it. While the exact cause may not be known, there are some risk factors to be aware of.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Although the cause of endometriosis isn’t clear, there are certain risk factors which can increase your likelihood of suffering from the condition. These include:

• Family history
• Conditions that impact menstrual flow
• Age
• Menstrual cycle behavior
• Abdominal surgery
• Immune system disorders

It is thought that if someone in the family has endometriosis, you’ll be up to ten times more likely to develop the condition yourself. Your risk will be particularly high if it’s an immediate family member such as your mother or grandmother.

There may also be other medical conditions that increase your risk, such as uterine growths, obstructions in the cervix and increased production of estrogen. Age can also play a role. Although it can occur in any girl or woman of menstruating age, it tends to be most commonly found in those in their 20s and 30s.

If your immune system is weak or you have unusual menstrual cycle behavior, this can also increase your risk.

These are just some of the risk factors associated with endometriosis. The condition is a lot more common than many people realize. It can also have a devastating impact on those living with it. Therefore, if you suspect you may have the condition, it’s important to seek treatment as early as possible.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis may be a common condition in women, but it’s surprisingly difficult for medical professionals to detect. This is down to the symptoms of the condition, which can mimic other common conditions. Here, you’ll discover more about the symptoms and when to seek advice from a doctor.

Classic Endometriosis Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can differ between women. However, there are some classic signs to watch out for. These include:

• Painful, irregular or heavy periods
• Fatigue
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Painful bowel movements
• Infertility

Painful, heavy and irregular periods are the most common signs of the condition. You may find that the pain begins a few days before your periods, and it can also cause lower back pain. The pain is worse than the usual menstrual pain and it also tends to worsen over time. It’s also possible you’ll experience bleeding between periods.

If you experience pain during or after sexual intercourse, this is also a common sign of the condition. You also might experience painful bowel movements, largely during your menstrual cycle.

Infertility is another symptom of the condition. While not all women with endometriosis will develop infertility, it’s still a symptom to be aware of. Some women have no other symptoms of the condition and only discover they have it when they’ve been diagnosed with infertility.

Other Common Associated Symptoms

The above are the most common endometriosis symptoms. However, there are also others to be aware of, such as:

• Depression
• Losing dark blood prior to period
• Pain when urinating

It’s common for sufferers of endometriosis to experience some level of depression. This is down to the pain the condition causes, alongside the impact it can have on everyday life. Some argue the emotional symptoms of the condition are the most difficult to handle.

You may also find you lose old, darker blood before your period starts. Some patients also experience pain when urinating, and in rare cases, blood may be passed during urination.

Knowing When to See a Doctor

 It can be difficult to know when to see a doctor about the symptoms of endometriosis. As the symptoms can also point to various other conditions, it’s also quite difficult to diagnose. However, that being said, it’s important to seek advice from a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.

You’ll know whether the pain you feel is worse than it should be. So, if you experience painful periods and you also have some of the other symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to go and see the doctor. Keep a list of all of the symptoms you experience. This will help the doctor to diagnose the condition much quicker.

While there is no cure for endometriosis at the moment, there are numerous treatment options available. These can help to minimize the symptoms and provide patients with a better quality of life. Keeping an eye on your symptoms and being persistent when seeking medical help is the best advice you can follow.

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