By Joseph Geyer, MD
Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN
They affect you every month: your endometrial cells. These are the cells that form the inside lining of the uterus, which is shed during your period. How would you know if those cells aren’t acting the way they’re supposed to? Here’s what you should know:
What is endometriosis?
During a typical menstrual cycle, the inside walls of the uterus grow a soft tissue lining called the endometrium. If you do not get pregnant, the endometrium is shed during menstruation. But in someone who has endometriosis, these tissues implant outside of the uterus. Most often, endometrial tissue implants are found on the:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Tissues that hold the uterus in place
- Outer surface of the uterus
- Lining of the pelvic cavity
These misplaced tissues respond to changes in your hormones the same way the endometrial cells inside your uterus do. But the areas where these misplaced tissues grow are not connected to the vaginal canal, so when it’s time for endometrial tissue to be shed during menstruation, the misplaced tissue and blood has no place to go. This may cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed and swollen, which can be extremely painful.
Signs and symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Remember: occasional cramping during your period is okay, but severe or constant pain should always be checked by your doctor.
Symptoms of endometriosis may include:
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back before and during menstruation
- Heavy or unusually long periods
- Pain during or following sexual intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements
In some cases, endometriosis can cause internal scar tissue and/or infertility. While endometriosis itself is a benign condition, studies suggest that having it can mean an increased risk of reproductive cancers, so be sure to get regular screenings.
Who can have it?
Endometriosis is one of the most common health problems for women with more than five million women diagnosed in the United States. Any teen or adult woman can get endometriosis, but it’s most common among women in their 30s and 40s. Women whose mothers or sisters have endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
What you can do about it
If you experience symptoms such as the ones listed above, talk to your doctor. A routine physical exam and pelvic exam will help diagnose your pain.
Treatment for endometriosis may include pain medication or hormonal medications such as birth control pills to help reduce endometrial tissue buildup. In some cases, surgery may be an option, especially if your body is not responding to more conservative treatments or if the endometrial tissue is interfering with your fertility. Talk to your doctor about which treatment options may be right for you.
Sources: NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov, WomensHealth.gov