Book Appointment

Endometriosis

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. It commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis, causing inflammation, pain, and other complications.

What Is Endometriosis?

During each menstrual cycle, this endometrial-like tissue behaves like the uterine lining—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. However, because the blood and tissue cannot leave the body, they become trapped, leading to irritation, inflammation, and discomfort.

Endometriosis may cause ovarian cysts known as endometriomas, scar tissue, and adhesions that can make pelvic organs stick together. Common symptoms include severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and fertility problems. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Illustration of endometriosis affecting female reproductive organs
Symptoms

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen over time, affecting daily life and fertility.

Painful Periods

Severe pelvic pain and cramping before or during menstruation, often accompanied by lower back and abdominal pain.

Pain During Intercourse

Pain during or after sexual intercourse is a common symptom of endometriosis.

Pain with Bowel Movements or Urination

Pain while passing stool or urine, especially during menstrual periods.

Heavy or Irregular Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods may occur in some women.

Difficulty Getting Pregnant

Infertility may be the first sign of endometriosis for some women seeking pregnancy.

Digestive & General Symptoms

Fatigue, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation are common, particularly during menstrual periods.

Causes

Possible Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown. However, several theories explain how endometrial-like tissue may develop outside the uterus.

Retrograde Menstruation

Menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, allowing endometrial-like cells to implant and grow outside the uterus.

Peritoneal Cell Transformation

Hormones or immune system factors may transform cells lining the abdomen into endometrial-like tissue.

Embryonic Cell Transformation

Estrogen and other hormones may cause embryonic cells to develop into endometrial-like implants during puberty.

Surgical Scar Implantation

After surgeries such as a C-section or hysterectomy, endometrial cells may attach to the surgical incision and continue to grow.

Cell Transport & Immune Disorders

Endometrial cells may spread through blood or lymphatic vessels, while immune system dysfunction may prevent the body from removing misplaced tissue.

Risk Factors

Who Is at Higher Risk of Endometriosis?

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, several factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Understanding these risk factors can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

Personal & Family Factors

Common factors linked to a higher risk

  • Never Giving Birth: Women who have never been pregnant may have a greater risk of developing endometriosis.
  • Family History: Having a mother, sister, or aunt with endometriosis increases your risk.
  • Low Body Mass Index: A lower BMI has been associated with an increased likelihood of endometriosis.

Menstrual & Hormonal Factors

Conditions that may increase the risk

  • Early Periods & Late Menopause: Starting menstruation early or reaching menopause later increases lifetime estrogen exposure.
  • Short or Heavy Menstrual Cycles: Cycles shorter than 27 days or periods lasting longer than seven days may increase the risk.
  • High Estrogen & Reproductive Disorders: Elevated estrogen levels, conditions that block menstrual flow, or reproductive tract abnormalities may contribute to endometriosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about endometriosis, including its symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissues, causing pain and inflammation.

Common symptoms include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, pain while passing urine or stool during periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, bloating, nausea, and difficulty becoming pregnant.

The exact cause is unknown. Possible causes include retrograde menstruation, transformation of abdominal or embryonic cells, surgical scar implantation, transport of endometrial cells through blood or lymphatic vessels, and immune system disorders.

Risk factors include never giving birth, starting menstruation at an early age, late menopause, short or heavy menstrual cycles, higher estrogen levels, low body mass index, a family history of endometriosis, and certain reproductive tract disorders.

Yes. Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions around the reproductive organs. However, many women with endometriosis are still able to conceive naturally or with fertility treatments.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and pregnancy plans. Options may include pain-relieving medications, hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial tissue when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about endometriosis, including its symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissues, causing pain and inflammation.

Common symptoms include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, pain while passing urine or stool during periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, bloating, nausea, and difficulty becoming pregnant.

The exact cause is unknown. Possible causes include retrograde menstruation, transformation of abdominal or embryonic cells, surgical scar implantation, transport of endometrial cells through blood or lymphatic vessels, and immune system disorders.

Risk factors include never giving birth, starting menstruation at an early age, late menopause, short or heavy menstrual cycles, higher estrogen levels, low body mass index, a family history of endometriosis, and certain reproductive tract disorders.

Yes. Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions around the reproductive organs. However, many women with endometriosis are still able to conceive naturally or with fertility treatments.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and pregnancy plans. Options may include pain-relieving medications, hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial tissue when necessary.