Endometriosis occurs in females and involves cells of the uterine wall lining growing in areas outside of the uterus. This tissue then may break down in other parts of the body causing bleeding and other symptoms. It is currently unclear why endometriosis occurs or even how it occurs. Endometriosis for some causes no symptoms at all and for others it can cause the following symptoms:
- Painful sex
- Lower pelvic pain before, between, and during monthly periods
- Pain when urinating or during stooling
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Growth on the ovaries that can be palpated during a pelvic exam
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Abnormal periods
There is no particular test to diagnose endometriosis. Your provider may order testing based off of your signs and symptoms and do an exam. The only definite way to know for surgery is through a surgery in which the physician looks for these tissues or growths that are from the uterine lining.
Endometriosis may be treated by different methods. Pain medications may be utilized to reduce the symptoms of pain. This will not make the endometriosis go away. For those who are not trying to get pregnant, birth control may help in reducing pain associated with endometriosis. If you don’t improve with birth control, additional medication may be given to stop a period entirely by inhibiting the body from producing certain hormones.
Some women may choose to do surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made, one in the belly button, to remove the unwanted tissue. For some women, none of the above may work and a hysterectomy, where the uterus is surgically removed, may be needed to be performed. Please consult a provider today to determine if your symptoms coincide with endometriosis.