What is it?

Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a chronic disease were endometrial- like tissue, similar to that which lines the uterus, can be found elsewhere throughout the body. It affects roughly 1 in 10 individuals.

The tissue a.k.a endometrium (en-doe-me-tree-um) that is lining the inside of your uterus abnormally begins to grow outside your uterus. These lesions (endometrial implants) can be found elsewhere in the body. Which makes endometriosis a full body disease. It’s not a disease that affects only the reproductive organs as we were all led to believe, this is more so a myth to say the least.

Disease can even be found outside the pelvis and has impacted the lungs, the diaphragm and the sciatic nerve. The disease triggers an inflammatory reaction within the body causing pain, inflammation, organ dysfunction, adhesions, etc.

What are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms are:  

• Pain. Where it hurts depends on where the implants are growing. You may have pain in your lower belly, rectum, vagina, lower back,

• Pain may only occur before and during your periods or, sadly, all the time. Not all people with endometriosis have pain.

• Some people experience pain during and after sex (including but not limited to penetration.

• Painful bowel movement

• Abnormal bleeding. Some people have heavy periods, spotting or bleeding between periods, bleeding during and after sex, or blood in their urine or stool. 

• Infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

• You may also experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, varying at different points throughout your cycle as well as occurring during non-menstrual times.

• Endometriosis varies from person to person. Some individuals do not know that they have it until they go to see a doctor because they cannot get pregnant or other medical reasons.

• It can take on average 8-10-years to receive a diagnose. You may ask, how is that possible? Lack of awareness, access to proper providers and procedure, education and last but surely not least health disparities.

What do I do now?

Treatments for Pain from Endometriosis:

Speak with your physician to find the best course of treatment for your symptoms. Keep in mind, you’ll need multidisplinary care as endometriosis is a full body systemic inflammatory disease. If you have a desire to family-build, we advice you to consult with a Reproductive Endocrinologist about your options.

Keep in mind, you know your body and if a physician is listening or respecting you or your concerns, feel free to move forward with looking for another provider.

Advocate for yourself by asking questions, building a rapport with your provider, being a part of the care plan so you can make informed decisions and feel empowered during this process.

Surgical Treatments

Research has shown that some patients have had significant symptom relief and success with excision surgery as a form of treatment. Consult with surgeons who specialize in excision surgery of endometriosis.

It is important to understand what is planned during surgery because some procedures cannot be reversed, and others can affect fertility health. Therefore, you should discuss all available options with your healthcare providers before making final decisions about treatment. Ask your physician about Excision surgery and how it can benefit your specific case.

Laparoscopy. Which is the method used to definitively diagnose endometriosis. The surgeon uses an instrument to inflate the abdomen slightly with a harmless gas and then inserts a small viewing instrument with a light, called a laparoscope into the abdomen through a few small cuts in the abdomen and belly button.

It is important to note that having a hysterectomy is not a cure nor treatment for Endometriosis.