What Is Endometriosis?
January 8, 2024Endometriosis is when tissue from inside the uterus grows in other places in your belly. It can cause cramps and pain during your periods. Or you may have pelvic pain the whole month. If not treated, it can affect your health and ability to get pregnant. With early diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed.
Understanding endometriosis
When you have this condition, tissue inside the uterus begins to grow in other places. It may grow on the ovaries. It may grow on your bowels. It may grow on the walls of your pelvis or abdomen. Very rarely it can be found around the lungs. During your period, this extra tissue swells with blood. It may release tiny drops of blood. The swelling and blood irritate nearby tissues. This causes pain and cramps. This irritation may cause scar tissue to form. This scar tissue can attach organs together. It can cause problems getting pregnant (infertility).
Common symptoms
If you have endometriosis, you may have one or more of these symptoms:
-
Cramps and menstrual pain
-
Pelvic pain
-
Pain during sex
-
Painful bowel movements
-
Trouble getting pregnant (infertility)
Treatment choices
Treatment may help relieve pain. It may help restore fertility. Choices include medical therapy, surgery, or both. Medicine may help relieve some of your symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about these choices.
Painful sex
Endometriosis can cause pain during sex. Try to see if sex at certain times of the month is less painful for you. Some positions may cause pain. Find out which positions reduce pain for you.
Related Providers
Related Posts
Treating Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause symptoms such as pain. The condition can also cause trouble getting pregnant. But endometriosis can be treated. Hormones and surgery are the most common options. Talk with your healthcare provider.
Stages of Endometriosis
Endometriosis can vary from minimal to severe. Even early stages can cause a large amount of pain. The 4 stages are based on a complex scoring system.
Total Knee Replacement
During total knee replacement surgery, your damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis). This surgery almost always reduces joint pain and improves your quality of life.
Post-Op Tips: Back
At home, you play a major role in your recovery. Protect your back by moving safely and practicing good body mechanics. Also see your healthcare provider for follow-up visits.
Related Providers
-
-
View more info
Robert H. O'Donnell
Obstetric and Gynecologic Hospitalist
Accepting New Patients
Ocean University Medical Center
-
View more info
Anita Irani Chait
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Accepting New Patients
Hackensack University Medical Center
-
-
-
