Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a painful condition in which tissue identical to the endometrium, which typically lines the interior of your uterus, develops outside your uterus. Endometriosis most usually affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissue. Endometrial-like tissue may sometimes be detected outside of the pelvic organs.
Endometrial-like tissue behaves similarly to endometrial tissue, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. However, since this tissue cannot leave your body, it remains imprisoned. Endometriomas may occur when endometriosis affects the ovaries. Surrounding tissue may become inflamed, leading to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions – bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to cling together.
Endometriosis may cause considerable discomfort, particularly during menstruation. Fertility issues may also arise. Fortunately, there are excellent therapies available.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic discomfort, which is often accompanied with menstruation. Although many women suffer cramps throughout their menstrual cycles, individuals who have endometriosis often report significantly more menstrual pain than normal. Pain may also worsen with time.
Endometriosis is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
Periods of pain (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic discomfort and cramps may start several days before and last several days after a menstrual cycle. You can also have lower back and stomach ache.
Intercourse causes pain. Endometriosis often causes pain during or after intercourse.
Pain during urinating or bowel motions. These symptoms are more likely to occur during a menstrual cycle.
Excessive bruising. You may have heavy menstrual cycles or bleeding between periods on occasion (intermenstrual bleeding).
Infertility. Endometriosis is sometimes discovered in women seeking infertility therapy.
Other indications and symptoms During your menstrual cycle, you may have tiredness, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea.
Your pain level may not be an accurate predictor of the severity of your ailment. You might have moderate endometriosis with considerable pain or advanced endometriosis with little to no discomfort.
Endometriosis is often confused with other illnesses that cause pelvic discomfort, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts. It is often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that causes diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramps. Endometriosis might be accompanied with IBS, complicating the diagnosis.
When should you visit a doctor?
Consult your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a difficult ailment to treat. Early diagnosis, a multidisciplinary medical team, and comprehension of your diagnosis may result in improved symptom treatment.
Do you suspect you have endometriosis?
Many women believe that painful periods are normal and do not seek treatment. If you’re having painful periods or other symptoms, go to your doctor right away so that any problems may be handled as soon as possible.
If your period discomfort is interfering with your everyday activities, get medical attention. This might include:
Absence from job, school, or other activities
Regular pain relievers are ineffective.
The symptoms are worsening.
You believe you are not mentally coping.
Depending on the severity of the endometriosis, a variety of therapies are available, and treatments are tailored to each individual situation. Consult your doctor or gynecologist if you have any symptoms or concerns. Alternatively, you might try a solution like Yonifeel.
Symptoms vary greatly based on the location of the stray endometrial tissue. Some women have significant symptoms, while others may not have any at all. Because the illness is progressive, symptoms may worsen with time.
Although pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms of endometriosis, it is not a reliable sign of the condition’s severity. You might have moderate endometriosis with significant pain or severe endometriosis with little or no discomfort. Some women realize they have endometriosis only after they begin trying to conceive.
