Endometriosis is a condition where menstruation tissue grows outside the womb. This can cause bleeding and inflammation, leading to severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain. Endometriosis is classified into three types, based on where it’s located and how deep it grows:
- Superficial peritoneal Lesions: These are the most common, and are small patches found on the lining of the abdomen and the pelvis.
- Endometriomas: These types of cyst are most commonly found on the ovaries. When these lesions bleed into the cysts, they produce a thick, brown fluid — which is why they’re often called ‘chocolate cysts.’
- Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE): This refers to deep endometrial tissue growth under the lining of the abdomen and pelvis. It behaves aggressively, and can also involve organs near the uterus such as the rectum, bowel or bladder.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Painful menstruation
- Intermenstrual or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Abdominal bloating, nausea or vomiting around menstruation
- Irritable bowel symptoms
- Painful defecation and/or urination
- Chronic fatigue symptoms
- Chronic pelvic pain
Although endometriosis is widely recognised for its intense pain, the condition can lead to far more than just discomfort. Endometriosis is a major contributor to infertility. When tissue grows outside the uterus, it can block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet.
The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but here are some theories:
- Retrograde menstruation occurs where menstrual blood flows back to the fallopian tubes, causing endometrial cells to stick to the walls and grow.
- Some suggest that cells outside the uterus change into endometrial-like cells and start to grow.
- Hormonal imbalance and elevated levels of oestrogen may contribute to the growth.
Endometriosis can’t be fully prevented, but there are ways to manage its impact. From medical treatments to lifestyle changes, here’s a look at what can be done to treat and control the condition based on the severity of the endometriosis.
- Adopt an anti-inflammatory lifestyle: Limit intake of red meat, processed food, gluten, alcohol and avoid smoking
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen can be helpful with pain.
- Hormonal contraceptives such as Birth control pills help control the hormones that stimulate endometriosis, which can ease the pain. Progestin, a synthetic hormone, can stop periods and slow endometriosis growth, helping relieve symptoms. It comes in forms like IUDs, implants, injections, or progestin-only pills.
- Conservative surgery removes endometriosis tissue and aims to preserve the uterus and the ovaries. If you have endometriosis and you’re trying to become pregnant, this type of surgery may boost your chances of success
Endometriosis isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of condition — and this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone’s experience with endometriosis is different, which means symptoms, severity, and treatment options can vary a lot. So, while it’s great to be informed, your best next move is chatting with a gynaecologist who can help figure out what’s really going on and how to treat it. Trust your gut, ask questions, and don’t settle for “just deal with it”, because you deserve answers and relief.
