Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it.

This disease commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining pelvis. The problem is that this endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. As this tissue is located in the “wrong place” it is trapped there. It also can lead to the formation of the ovarian cysts or cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.

Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during menstrual periods. Fertility problems also may develop. Luckily, effective treatments are available.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

Pain. This is the most common symptom. Women with endometriosis may have many different kinds of pain. These include:
- Very painful menstrual cramps.
- Chronic (long-term) pain in the lower back and pelvis
- Pain during or after sex. This is usually described as a “deep” pain and is different from pain felt at the entrance to the vagina when penetration begins.
- Intestinal pain
- Painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods.
Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods.
Infertility
Stomach (digestive) problems. These include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Risk factors

Never giving birth
Starting period at an early age
Going through menopause at an older age
Short menstrual cycles — for instance, less than 27 days
Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
Low body mass index
One or more relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis
Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body
Reproductive tract abnormalities