What problems does endometriosis cause?
The growth of the endometrium outside its normal place (the womb) is called endometriosis. It is not a cancerous condition, yet it causes health problems. The malfunction of the organs is often associated with pain and long-term unwanted effects like infertility.
Pain
- Back and pelvic pain as primary symptoms, are reported in approximately ¾ of women diagnosed with endometriosis.
- Pain and swelling before and during the period, as the tissue grows and bleeds with difficulty.
- Painful urination during menstrual period and bladder sensitivity.
- Pain during sex - when the vagina is affected by the disease, it becomes sore.
- Abdominal and bowel pain when endometriosis affects the colon and the rectum
Bleeding
- Irregular bleeding, sometimes at the same time as the menstrual cycle, other times, before the cycle.
- Heavier and longer than normal bleeding.
- Cysts forming from blood trapped in the ovaries.
Other Problems
- Organs binding in the pelvic area.
- Problems in the intestines (diarrhea, constipation, nausea).
- Problems in the bladder.
- Bloating of the abdominal area as a response to the inflammation of bowels.
- Infertility. Endometriosis affects either the ability to get pregnant or the early development of the embryo in approximately 1/3 to ½ of women with this condition.
- Mood swings due to frequent pain – a non-specific symptom of endometriosis.
- Fatigue and lower quality of life are common consequences associated with the chronic pain.
In addition, allergies, yeast infections and chemical sensitivities may appear.
Risk of Ovarian Cancer
The rates of ovarian cancer and endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma in women with endometriosis are higher than in women without it, but the risk is still low.
Many times endometriosis is diagnosed in women who are seeking treatment for infertility or other problems. Endometriosis can often be mistaken for “killer cramps”, usual symptoms of a heavier menstruation. The sooner it is discovered, the better it can be treated and avoid unnecessary pain and complication.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
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Related Questions About Endometriosis
Recent data show that endometriosis is a condition that occurs in 6-10 % of the women of reproductive age - approximately 6 million women in the U.S. The average age for endometriosis cases was thought to be around 30-40 years of age.
See full answerThe pelvis area, or the lower abdomen is the most frequent place for endometriosis. The female reproductive organs, the rectum, the bowels and the bladder are inside the pelvis. They can be affected in various degrees by endometriosis. Its name derives from the endometrium - the name of the lining of the uterus (the womb), which suffers an abnormal growth outside its normal place.
See full answerThe growth of the endometrium outside its normal place (the womb) is called endometriosis. It is not a cancerous condition, yet it causes health problems. The malfunction of the organs is often associated with pain and long-term unwanted effects like infertility.
See full answerBased on the localization and the stage of their condition, women with endometriosis may be concerned about the risk of infertility. Doctors estimate about 5% of infertility cases are related to endometriosis, but the connection between them is not clear. Not all women with endometriosis are infertile, but 30% to 50% of infertile women are diagnosed with endometriosis.
See full answerEndometriosis is not a sexually transmitted disease.
See full answerEndometriosis is not a rare disease. We commonly treat patients who are diagnosed with this condition.
See full answerBefore you decide to undergo this procedure, we will explain to you more about its benefits and potential complications.
See full answerAfter any surgery, patients require some time to recover. However, the amount of time varies based on the patient’s overall health.
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