Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, and other pelvic organs. This misplaced tissue still behaves like normal uterine lining: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during each menstrual cycle, but unlike normal tissue, it has no way to exit the body. This leads to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue (adhesions).
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
•Severe menstrual cramps
•Chronic pelvic pain (before, during, or after periods)
•Painful intercourse
•Painful bowel movements or urination (especially during menstruation)
•Heavy or irregular periods
•Infertility
•Fatigue, bloating, or nausea
Note: The severity of pain doesn’t always match the severity of the condition—some have intense pain with mild endometriosis and vice versa.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause is unknown, but possible theories include:
•Retrograde menstruation: Blood flows backward into the pelvis during periods.
•Immune system disorders: The body fails to recognize and destroy misplaced tissue.
•Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen may promote the growth of endometrial-like tissue.
•Genetics: It tends to run in families.
•Surgical spread: Cells may attach to surgical sites after procedures like C-sections.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
•Pelvic exam (to feel for cysts or scarring)
•Ultrasound or MRI (to detect endometriomas or deep lesions)
•Laparoscopy(the gold standard): A minimally invasive surgery that allows doctors to see and possibly biopsy the endometrial-like tissue directly.
Treatment Options
There is no cure, but treatments can manage pain and slow the progression:
1. Pain Relief
•NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
•Heat therapy for cramps
•Birth control pills, patches, or rings
•Progestin-only treatments
•Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
•IUDs with hormones
3. Surgery
•Laparoscopic removal of endometrial tissue
•In severe cases, hysterectomy (removal of uterus) may be considered
•Anti-inflammatory diet
•Regular exercise
•Stress reduction techniques
•Support groups and counseling
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis is real, painful, and often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. If you experience chronic pelvic pain or other related symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can greatly improve your quality of life. You deserve to feel heard—and to live without constant pain.
Pingback: Post-Sex Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do About It - SimplExplainer