Gaining Clarity, Not Confusion, on Endometriosis

March is Women’s History Month. But did you know that it’s also Endometriosis Awareness Month? During a month where we celebrate the achievements of women, it’s also a good time to take a look at a health issue affecting approximately 11% of women in the US. Endometriosis can be confusing, but learning the facts will help you gain clarity.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis, or “endo,” is a condition in which the same kind of tissue that lines the inside of your uterus grows in other places, too. Endometrial tissue changes through the stages of the menstrual cycle; over the course of the cycle, it grows thicker, then disintegrates and bleeds. This is your period, where your body tries to get rid of the tissue through the vagina. 

But when endometrial tissue is located in additional places other than the uterus, there isn’t a place for it to flow out. The tissue becomes trapped in your body, causing pain. Endometrial tissue can show up throughout your body, but it’s most likely to appear around ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic areas.

Causes and risk factors

There are several possible reasons as to why endometrial tissue can end up in the wrong place. One possible cause is called retrograde menstruation, which is when some menstrual blood flows backward during periods instead of out through the vagina. This causes endometrial tissue to be moved to places it isn’t supposed to be. Hormone problems, immune system dysfunction, and surgical scars can also cause endometriosis. 

Endometriosis risk factors include being a woman who has never given birth, being related to someone with the condition, having menstrual cycles fewer than 27 days, and being in your 30s and 40s (although it’s possible to have endometriosis before then, it’s most likely to occur in your 30s or 40s). 

Symptoms and treatments

What makes endometriosis confusing is the fact that its symptoms are shared with a number of other diseases. Its main symptoms are severely painful periods, lower back pain, and pain during urination and bowel movements. But this condition can also cause nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Unfortunately, endometriosis also happens to be the biggest cause of infertility, mainly because the misplaced tissue can get in the way between sperm and egg.

The good news is that there are ways to fight back against endometriosis. Endometriosis treatment largely depends on whether or not you’re trying to become pregnant. Hormonal birth control methods (such as pills or an intrauterine device) can help with pain and bleeding, but if you’re trying to get pregnant, an alternate treatment is a type of medicine called a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Surgery for endometriosis may be necessary in severe cases.

If you’ve experienced the symptoms described above and you think you may have endometriosis, visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Try not to assume that you have it just because you have these symptoms – your symptoms could be caused by something else.

But if you (or someone you love) do have endometriosis, keep in mind that practicing self-care is key. Self-care means taking your symptoms seriously and not pushing your body too hard when you’re not feeling well. Endometriosis can be a rough experience, but don’t be discouraged. As time goes on, you’ll understand your body’s needs more and more, and you’ll gain clarity on how to handle this condition and take good care of your health.