As a woman, it’s normal to experience pain or discomfort during your menstrual cycle. But how much is too much? How can you know whether the pain you’re experiencing is normal or if it’s a sign of something more serious?
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines inside the uterus grows in abnormal places, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, the tissue lining the pelvis, or beyond the pelvic organs. The cells that normally grow inside the uterus grow outside of it. The condition affects approximately 6-10% of women of reproductive age.
But what causes endometriosis? And how do you know when to see a doctor? Keep reading to find out.
Causes of Endometriosis
While it’s not entirely certain what causes endometriosis, there are a few speculations:
Retrograde Menstruation
When blood that contains endometriotic cells doesn’t flow out of the body, but back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity, this phenomenon is called Retrograde Menstruation. These cells stick to the pelvic walls and organs, where they continue to thicken and bleed throughout your menstrual cycles.
Cell Transformation
Many believe that there are areas of the abdomen that converts into endometrial tissue, where regular cells develop into endometriotic cells, changing in shape and behavior.
Surgical Scars
Another theory is that blood can leak into the pelvic cavity through a surgical scar. If you underwent a cesarean delivery (c-section) or a hysterectomy, you may be at greater risk as these cells can attach to the scar.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of endometriosis can be hard to catch. While they can vary among individuals and manifest differently, there are a few signs that you should look out for:
- Pain before or during menstruation
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Lower back pain during menstruation
- Pain following intercourse
- Uncomfortable bowel movements or urination
- Infertility
Risk Factors
You may be at a higher risk of developing endometriosis if you have a family history of the condition, are between the ages of 25 and 40, irregular menstruation or problems during your period, or haven’t had children.
Complications
Infertility
Besides heavy pain and discomfort, what complications can endometriosis cause? One of the biggest issues is infertility. The condition can cause a blockage in the fallopian tube, where the egg must travel through and be fertilized by sperm, and prevent the egg and sperm from uniting. Endometriosis can strongly hinder a woman’s ability to have a baby. According to the Mayo Clinic, about one third to half of women with the condition have trouble getting pregnant.
Cancer
While the risk of developing ovarian cancer is low, the rates are higher among women with endometriosis. Studies found that women with endometriosis in a higher-risk genetic group had up to a 4-9% risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Psychological Distress
The pain and discomfort associated with endometriosis can cause psychological distress, which may contribute to or cause depression or anxiety.
Diagnosis
There are tests put in place to check for endometriosis, including the following:
Ultrasound
Abdominal or transvaginal ultrasounds may be conducted to scan for abnormalities in the organs. High-frequency sound waves create images of your body and are captured by a transducer that’s pressed up against a certain area. Doctors can identify cysts caused by endometriosis, which are one sign that you may have the condition.
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam is a physical exam that’s conducted by a doctor to manually feel for cysts or scars behind the uterus.
MRI
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam is conducted by using radio waves and a magnetic field to create images of the tissues and organs inside the body, which can give a better picture of what’s going on.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options that your doctor may prescribe for endometriosis. These may include over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen to treat pain during menstruation, hormone therapy, surgery to remove endometrial tissue or implants, fertility treatment, or hysterectomies.
Dealing with Endometriosis
Endometriosis isn’t always easy to detect, as symptoms are similar to other conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Ovarian Cysts, and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It’s important to see a health professional to conduct an exam and help you diagnose your condition. Contact Dr. Fay Weisberg at the First Steps Fertility Clinic, a highly experienced specialist in Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine who will help you figure out what’s going on with your body and determine the most suitable course of treatment for you.
