3/14/2023
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Posted by Dr. Thomas Raskauskas, OB/GYN and Senior Medical Director
Endometriosis is a disease in which cells normally seen lining the uterus (womb) grow outside the uterus. It can cause pain and lead to reproductive health issues such as infertility. About 10% of women, mostly in their 30s and 40s, are affected by endometriosis. Any female with an active reproductive system – even adolescents and young women – can have endometriosis. That’s because the cells in their uterus respond to estrogen and cause periods.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are pain during your period and pain during sex. Other symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, bloating, and nausea. If endometriosis involves either the bowel or bladder, it can cause pain with bowel movements or urination. Endometriosis can also cause scarring around the internal female reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility.
Women who are experiencing the above symptoms should talk to their provider, so the provider can help determine if treatment is needed.
Endometriosis Treatment
If your provider thinks you have endometriosis, the first steps to treat the symptoms are medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain pills (such as ibuprofen), as well as birth control. Some women may be offered hormone medications to block the effects of estrogen. Birth control pills and hormone medications that block estrogen may prevent further damage, but do not treat the scarring that is already caused by endometriosis.
If symptoms persist after 3 to 6 months of medications, your provider may recommend a procedure to look inside your pelvis with a camera (laparoscopy). Any areas that look suspicious for endometriosis may be sampled and sent to be looked at under a microscope. You also may be offered surgery to remove the scarring and “burn” the abnormal cells causing endometriosis. The endometriosis can return, however. Severe cases may require removal of your womb and your ovaries.
Additional Resources for Endometriosis
If you have questions about endometriosis, talk to your provider about your symptoms and treatment options. You also can learn more about endometriosis by visiting the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website at www.acog.org.