Endometriosis Definition
The symptoms of endometriosis differ from person to person. Some women have no symptoms at all.
The most common symptoms are:
- Painful and/or heavy periods,
- Pain in the lower abdomen, the pelvis or in the lower back,
- Pain during intercourse,
- Bleeding between menstrual periods,
- Fertility problems.
The experience of pain varies from woman to woman. Most women with endometriosis have pain in the area between the hips and upper legs. Some women have this pain permanently, while others only feel the pain during menstruation, during intercourse or when they go to the toilet.
Other symptoms can include:
- Discomfort when urinating,
- Rectal bleeding,
- An obstruction in the intestine (if the endometrial tissue is in the intestines),
- Coughing up blood (if the endometrial tissue is in the lungs).
The severity of the symptoms depends largely on the location of the endometriosis in the body rather than the nature of the endometriosis (size, degree of development). Consequently, a small amount of tissue can be as painful, or even more painful than a larger amount.
The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but there are various theories relating to the causes of this phenomenon, including:
- Retrograde menstruation: This occurs when the uterine lining (endometrium) flows in the opposite direction (backwards) through the Fallopian tubes and into the abdomen, instead of being naturally expelled. This tissue then implants itself onto the pelvic organs and grows.
It is possible that this is how endometriosis occurs in some women.
- Genetics: Endometriosis is sometimes considered to be hereditary.
- Immune system disorder: It is thought that the immune system of some women is unable to fight endometriosis efficiently. However, the weakening of the immune system may be the result of the endometriosis, rather than the cause of the condition.
- Environmental causes: It is thought that endometriosis might be caused by certain toxins in the environment, such as dioxins (chemical by-products), affecting the body and its immune system.
To find out more about Endometriosis
There is no cure for endometriosis and this condition can be difficult to treat. The aim of treatment is to relieve the symptoms so that the effects of the condition on daily life are kept to a minimum.
Treatment is administered to relieve pain, to slow down the growth of the endometriosis, to improve fertility and to prevent the condition from reappearing.
The gynaecologist discusses the treatment options with the patient and explains the risks and benefits of each one.
There are various things to consider when choosing the most suitable treatment:
- The patient’s age,
- Knowing if the main symptom is pain or difficulty conceiving,
- If the patient is trying to conceive (some treatments can prevent pregnancy),
- How the patient feels with regard to the possibility of surgery,
- Having already followed numerous treatments previously.
Treatment may not be necessary if the symptoms are benign and if the patient has no fertility problems. In around a third of cases, endometriosis improves on its own without treatment.
The treatment options are as follows:
- Medicinal products: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), paracetamol, codeine, painkillers…
- Hormonal treatment intended to limit oestrogen production, which can encourage the growth of endometriosis.
- Taking the contraceptive pill.
- Surgery.
You can find out more information on the Endometriosis Forum.
Published 26 Jan 2018
