What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, known as the endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus, as well as other organs within the pelvis.

Each month, this displaced tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds, just like the lining of the uterus. However, because this blood has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped, leading to inflammation, cyst formation, scar tissue, and adhesions.

These adhesions can cause the pelvic organs to stick to each other, leading to severe pain and complications.

Endometriosis Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary significantly from one person to another. While some women may experience mild symptoms, others may suffer from severe, debilitating pain. The most common symptoms include:

• Pelvic Pain: The hallmark symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstruation. However, this pain can also occur before menstruation, during intercourse, or when using the bathroom.

• Menstrual Irregularities: Women with endometriosis often experience heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia).

• Infertility: Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. About 30-40% of women with endometriosis may struggle with conception.

• Pain with Bowel Movements or Urination: These symptoms usually occur during menstrual periods.

• Fatigue: Many women with endometriosis report feeling unusually tired, which may be related to chronic pain or the body’s inflammatory response.

• Other Symptoms: Other symptoms can include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and back pain, especially during menstruation.

It’s important to note that the severity of the symptoms is not necessarily correlated with the extent of the disease. Some women with severe endometriosis may have mild symptoms, while others with mild endometriosis may experience intense pain.

Endometriosis Treatment Options

Treatment options for endometriosis vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and your individual needs. Common treatments include:

1. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce menstrual cramps and pain. For more severe pain, prescription medications may be recommended.

2. Hormonal Therapy: Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings help regulate or eliminate periods, reducing endometrial growth. Other hormonal therapies include GnRH agonists, progestins, or the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD), which help reduce or stop menstruation and slow the growth of endometrial tissue.

3. Laparoscopic Surgery: For women with severe symptoms or infertility concerns, laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove or destroy endometrial tissue. This minimally invasive surgery is considered one of the most effective options for pain relief.

4. Hysterectomy: In extreme cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended, especially if other treatments have failed. In some cases, the ovaries may also be removed (oophorectomy). However, this is typically reserved for women who have completed childbearing.

5. Fertility Treatments: If endometriosis affects fertility, treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may be recommended to improve the chances of conception.

6. Lifestyle Changes and Complementary Therapies: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and physical therapies such as acupuncture or pelvic floor physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Each treatment plan should be individualised based on symptom severity, age, fertility goals, and personal preferences.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek medical help for endometriosis if you experience severe pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation or ovulation, that disrupts your daily activities. Other signs include heavy or irregular periods, painful intercourse, or discomfort during bowel movements or urination, especially around your period. If you're facing difficulty conceiving, chronic fatigue, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel habits, these could also be linked to endometriosis. Additionally, if your pain persists despite over-the-counter medications, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for early diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

At Elysian Women’s Health, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments and personalised care plans to help you regain control and improve your quality of life.