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Endometriosis

A condition in which tissue that ordinarily grows in the womb lining of the ovaries and fallopian tubes grows in other locations is endometriosis. 

Women of any age, even teenagers, can develop endometriosis. Although it is a chronic condition, treatments available may be able to lessen the impact on your life. 

Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms can vary. While some women experience severe symptoms, others might not experience any symptoms at all.

Typical signs of endometriosis include:

  • Feeling sick, constipated, having diarrhea, or having blood in pee or poo during a period
  • Pain in your lower belly or back (pelvic pain), which is typically worse during your period
  • Pain that prevents one from performing everyday activities
  • Pain after or during sex
  • Pain when peeing or pooing during the period
  • Having trouble getting pregnant

Additionally, you might experience painful periods. Use numerous pads or tampons to prevent bleeding through to your clothing.

Endometriosis can significantly impact a woman’s life and occasionally trigger depression.

Endometriosis

Causes

It is unclear what causes endometriosis.

Numerous hypotheses have been put forth, such as:

  • Genetics – the disorder frequently runs in families and is more prevalent in some ethnic groups than others.
  • Defects in the immune system, the body’s natural defense mechanism against disease and infection
  • Endometrium cells moving through the body in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a network of tubes and glands that is a component of the immune system 

Treatments

There is currently no treatment for endometriosis, but there are ways to lessen the symptoms.

Treatments consist of:

  • Medicine that treats pain, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
  • The combined pill, the contraceptive patch, the intrauterine system (IUS), the contraceptive implant, and medications known as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs are all examples of hormone medications and contraceptives.
  • Surgery to remove endometriosis tissue in patches
  • Surgery to remove all parts of the endometriosis-affected organs, like the womb, appendix, or colon (hysterectomy)

The doctor may occasionally advise waiting to see if your symptoms improve before starting treatment.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022