Endometriosis happens when tissue that behaves like the womb lining grows outside the uterus. The symptoms depend on where the endometrial tissue is growing, but they can have a significant impact on your life.
Treatment can help relieve your symptoms and prevent potentially serious complications. It is a good idea to see a doctor if you are experiencing menstrual problems or other symptoms that could be caused by endometriosis.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The causes of endometriosis are not fully understood, but we do know that:
- The condition occurs when patches of the endometrial tissue that forms your womb lining start growing elsewhere in your body.
- Common sites of endometriosis include the bowel, bladder, ovaries and pelvic area.
- It isn’t clear why this happens, but it could be linked to a problem with your immune system, endometrial cells moving around in your body during your period, or your genes.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary depending on which parts of the body are affected and how much endometrial tissue has formed. Some women only have mild symptoms, but endometriosis can have a significant impact on your life.
You may notice:
- Severe period pain that doesn’t go away when you take painkillers
- Pelvic pain, which may occur when you are not on your period
- Heavy periods
- Discomfort during or after sex
- Blood in your poo
- Feeling more tired than usual
It can be difficult to recognise endometriosis symptoms because they can come and go over the course of your menstrual cycle. The symptoms can also be confused with normal period pain or other gynaecological conditions. The best way to find out what is causing these symptoms is to see a gynaecologist.
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Getting a diagnosis for endometriosis can be difficult as it can cause a wide range of different symptoms. It is usually best to see a specialist if you think that you might have endometriosis. The doctor will usually:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Perform a gynaecological exam to rule out other possible causes
- Perform a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis. A laparoscopy is a surgical investigation that uses a special camera to look for patches of endometrial tissue in your body.
Treatments for Endometriosis
It is important to see a doctor if you think that you might have endometriosis as it can have a big impact on your quality of life. Endometriosis can cause severe pain, problems with your bladder or bowel function, and other complications. Endometriosis can also reduce your fertility. Treatment can help to prevent these complications, relieve your symptoms, or increase your chances of conceiving.
The right treatment for your endometriosis will depend on the effect it is having on you:
- Taking painkillers can help to relieve discomfort
- A hormonal contraceptive may help to relieve the other symptoms of endometriosis
- In some cases, our specialists may recommend surgery to eliminate the patches of endometrial tissue or to remove the affected parts of your reproductive system.
If you suspect that you have endometriosis or your doctor has recommended that you see a gynaecologist, you can arrange a consultation with an experienced specialist who can provide the highest quality care and advise you on your treatment options at the Lotus Klinik. Just fill in the online form or call the clinic to request an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. You can also arrange a telephone consultation if you prefer.