Endometriosis: What You Need to Know Now

Having a lot of questions about endometriosis, huh? It’s a condition that can seriously mess with your life, impacting fertility and causing pain. But, what even *is* endometriosis, and can you still get pregnant if you have it? We’re gonna unpack all of that—and more—right here.

Note: we’ll explore the topic further below.

• What is Endometriosis?
• Endometriosis Symptoms
• Endometriosis Causes
• Risk Factors for Endometriosis
• Diagnosing Endometriosis
• Endometriosis Treatments
• FAQ, Myth & Facts

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis, also known as “endo,” is when tissue that’s similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside of it. I mean, think places like the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

Now, this misplaced tissue acts a lot like the lining of your uterus. During your cycle, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. But, unlike your regular period, this tissue can’t leave your body. That said, the endometriosis tissue remains trapped, causing inflammation and sometimes, um, scar tissue to develop in the surrounding area. The adhesions, or scar tissue, it might cause can sometimes fuse internal organs together.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Some common symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Severe pain and cramping during your period, and let’s be honest, periods can be brutal enough without adding *this* to the mix.
• Pain during sex and after, which nobody wants.
• Pain with bowel movements.
• Bloating.
• Pain when you pee or poop.
• Spotting between periods.
• Heavy periods.
• Fatigue.
• Lower back pain.
• Nausea, or sometimes, vomiting.
• Difficulty getting pregnant.

Listen, endometriosis symptoms can really vary. Some people barely notice anything, while others are dealing with intense pain all the time. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kinda thing, and often, doctors only suspect endometriosis when other tests come back normal but you’re still experiencing persistent pain.

Endometriosis Causes

We don’t *really* know exactly what causes endometriosis. However, doctors believe that it’s linked to a few things:

• Retrograde menstruation:

Basically, instead of menstrual blood flowing out of your body, it flows backward through the fallopian tubes. Then, the endometrial cells attach to organs outside your uterus, causing endometriosis to occur.

• Cell changes:

Some experts think that cells in the lining of your fallopian tubes and ovaries can change into endometrial-like cells. This can be caused by things like hormonal imbalances.

• Surgery:

Like a C-section or hysterectomy. During surgery, endometrial cells can attach to an incision and grow outside the uterus.

• Endometrial cell transport:

Endometrial cells can travel through your blood or lymph system to other parts of your body.

• Immune system issues:

The immune system might not be able to recognize and destroy endometrial cells outside the uterus.

You know, it is super interesting that sometimes people report skin issues alongside endometriosis. I mean, is there a connection between hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, and skin health? I don’t know, but it definitely sparks some questions that might be worth exploring. Could managing endometriosis also lead to better skin? Seems like an area that warrants further research.

Risk Factors for Endometriosis

Some things that can increase your risk of developing endometriosis include:

• Family history. If your mom or sister had endometriosis, you’re more likely to get it too.
• Periods with short cycles.
• Starting your period early, because let’s face it, periods starting younger feel like they last *forever*.
• Having periods that last less than 27 days.
• Heavy periods, especially if they last longer than 7 days.
• Periods lasting more than 7 days.
• High levels of estrogen.
• Never having kids.
• Low body weight (low BMI).
• Having a health condition that prevents period blood from flowing properly, like a blocked cervix or a small vaginal opening.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

To diagnose endometriosis, doctors often use:

• Pelvic exam:

They’ll physically examine your pelvic area to check for abnormalities. This involves your doctor manually feeling (palpating) areas in your pelvis for abnormalities, like cysts on your reproductive organs or scars behind your uterus.

• Ultrasound:

Endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries) can be caused by endometriosis, so your doctor might use an ultrasound to check for them.

• MRI:

This helps pinpoint the location and size of endometriosis implants more accurately.

• Laparoscopy:

This is basically a surgery to look for endometriosis. Your doctor makes small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to view the endometrial tissue.

Endometriosis Treatments

Endometriosis treatment depends on things like your age and how severe your symptoms are. But, common treatments include:

Medication

Doctors might prescribe the following medications for treating endometriosis:

• Pain relievers:

Typically, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).

• Hormonal birth control:

Like birth control pills. They can help reduce period pain and slow the growth of endometriosis.

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists:

These meds can shrink endometriosis implants by lowering estrogen levels. They basically stop your period.

• Progestin therapy:

Your doctor might prescribe progestin shots (Depo-Provera) or mini-pills, because they reduce symptoms and slow the growth of endometriosis tissue.

• Aromatase inhibitors:

These meds lower estrogen levels. Usually, they’re prescribed in combination with birth control pills.

Surgery

Surgery can be a solid option for treating endometriosis and relieving symptoms. Often, doctors remove the implants using a laparoscope.

That said, in severe cases, a doctor might suggest a hysterectomy (removing the uterus and ovaries), particularly if your symptoms are severe and other treatments haven’t worked.

Fertility Treatments

Your doctor might recommend artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help you get pregnant.

FAQ, Myth & Facts

Is endometriosis a dangerous disease?

Endometriosis isn’t usually dangerous, but it can cause problems, like:

• Infertility. It can cause blockages in the ovaries and other reproductive organs.
• Severe period pain.
• Increased risk of complications during pregnancy, like miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to some studies.

Does endometriosis cause infertility?

No, but it can make it harder to conceive, and can increase your chances of complications, like an ectopic pregnancy.

Can you cure endometriosis?

No. Endometriosis is a chronic condition, so the tissue can grow back again after surgery. But, you can live a normal life by sticking to your medication and doctor’s appointments.

Key takeaways

• Endometriosis involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus.
• Symptoms range from severe period pain and fatigue to fertility challenges.
• Treatment options include medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies.

I was really struggling with unexplained pain and fatigue for years, and it was so validating to finally get a diagnosis. It felt like I wasn’t crazy and there was a reason for how I was feeling. Now, I’m actively managing my symptoms and reclaiming my life, one step at a time.

The emotional toll of dealing with endometriosis is often overlooked. The constant pain and uncertainty affected my relationships and mental health. Finding a support group made a huge difference, because it connected me with others who understood what I was going through.

For me, surgery was a game-changer. It wasn’t a cure, but it provided significant relief from the constant pain. Combining surgery with lifestyle changes, like a healthier diet and regular exercise, has made it possible for me to manage the condition more effectively.

Endometriosis can be a real struggle, but understanding what it is, recognizing the symptoms, and exploring different treatment options can make a big difference. And let’s face it, when we understand our bodies better, we’re better equipped to advocate for ourselves and get the care we deserve. So, arm yourself with info, find a good doctor, and take things one step at a time.