Topic at a Glance
- Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and causes inflammation and pain.
- Symptoms vary but commonly include pelvic pain, painful periods, fatigue, and digestive issues.
- Endometriosis can sometimes affect fertility and the menstrual cycle.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Endometriosis is a common women’s health problem, but it often goes undiagnosed. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial cells, which normally line the inside of the uterus, grow outside the uterus in other areas of the body.
These misplaced endometrial cells can form endometriosis lesions or abnormal growths, leading to various symptoms and complications. Endometriosis symptoms often vary between patients and are sometimes too easy to dismiss as a “normal” part of womanhood.
While mild cramping around your period is normal as your uterus contracts to expel its lining, the pain shouldn’t be so severe that it keeps you from your day-to-day activities. However, many women assume that their pain is to be expected and just try to get on with their lives as best they can.
Are you experiencing pelvic pain, heavy periods, or discomfort during intercourse? You may be dealing with endometriosis. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert physicians at Maiden Lane Medical to learn more about how you can manage your symptoms and find relief from pain. Contact us today!
PELVIC PAIN
Pelvic pain due to endometriosis is caused by the endometrial tissue that forms on your other organs. The misplaced endometrium irritates the affected tissue and organs, causing inflammation and pain. You might have severe cramping with your menstrual period, at other points during your menstrual cycle, or you might have continuous or chronic pelvic pain.
Additionally, the endometrial tissue grows and swells with your menstrual cycle, just like the tissue that lines your uterus. However, when the time comes to shed your lining, the abnormal tissue is often in places where it can’t easily leave your body.
Endometriosis also causes scarring. Scar tissue is usually tighter and less flexible than healthy tissue, which can also cause pain.
PAINFUL INTERCOURSE
Endometriosis vaginal pain can also occur during sexual intercourse. If you have abnormal tissue or related scarring on your rectum, cervix, or behind your vaginal wall, the movements of sex can stretch and irritate your tissue. Additionally, many of the hormonal treatments for endometriosis can cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness increases your risk of tissue irritation and pain during sex.
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PAINFUL BOWEL MOVEMENTS
While it’s relatively rare to find endometriosis inside the bowel, the tissue can grow and cause scarring on the outside of your colon and rectum. Endometriosis triggers inflammation and contractions that cause pain that is typically more intense while you’re having a bowel movement. The endometriosis-related muscle contractions can interfere with the natural contractions that push waste out of your body.
CONSTIPATION/ DIARRHEA
Endometriosis on or in your bowel can also cause constipation and diarrhea. The abnormal contractions can interfere with the final stage of the digestion process, either causing waste to stay in your bowel for too long, where it gets dry and hard, or pushing it out too quickly before most of the liquid has been absorbed.
FATIGUE
Tired, worn out, lethargic, no matter what word you use to describe it, fatigue is another easily dismissed but disruptive symptom of endometriosis. Endometriosis triggers inflammation in the affected organs and tissue. Inflammation is an energy drain, which contributes to your fatigue. Combined with the stress of dealing with pain, it’s no wonder that all you want to do is rest on the couch with your hot water bottle and favorite streaming service.
IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION
Endometriosis itself doesn’t cause abnormal bleeding. However, when you have endometriosis on your ovaries, it can interfere with your hormone production, which can affect menstrual periods causing abnormal bleeding. Additionally, if your endometriosis causes a lot of stress, it can stimulate your hypothalamus. The resulting hormonal fluctuations can also interfere with your menstrual cycle.
INFERTILITY
Endometriosis can interfere with your fertility in a few ways. First, endometriosis on your ovaries can interfere with your hormone production, egg production and release, and regularity of your menstrual cycle. If you’re trying to get pregnant, knowing approximately when your most fertile days are is critical to timing intercourse. But with endometriosis, your hormones may make your menstrual cycle unpredictable.
Additionally, endometriosis and related scar tissue can block your fallopian tubes and prevent your egg cells from ever reaching your womb or meeting a sperm cell. If you’re under the age of 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success, you should make an appointment with one of the women’s health experts at Maiden Lane Medical to find out what’s getting in the way of your fertility. If you’re 35 or older, you should make an appointment if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for six months.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS
Are you one of the many women silently struggling with the debilitating endometriosis symptoms? You should never ignore pain, especially if it interferes with your regular activities and quality of life. If you have pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramping, pelvic muscle spasms, or any other symptoms of endometriosis, it’s time to get professional medical help.
At Maiden Lane Medical, we understand the unique challenges faced by women with endometriosis. Our dedicated team of specialists is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care tailored to your specific needs.
Our team of women’s health providers at Maiden Lane Medical are the leading endometriosis physicians in New York City. They have years of training and experience treating endometriosis through alternative techniques and complementary therapies that can work in conjunction with pain medications to alleviate the discomfort caused by endometriosis.
Call Maiden Lane Medical or make an appointment online today.
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FAQs About Endometriosis Symptoms
What are the most common symptoms of endometriosis?
Common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful intercourse, painful bowel movements, digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, irregular menstruation, and infertility. Symptoms vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe.
Why does endometriosis cause pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus and irritates nearby organs and tissues. This can cause inflammation, swelling, and scar tissue, leading to chronic or cyclical pain.
Can endometriosis affect fertility?
Yes, endometriosis can impact fertility by interfering with hormone production, blocking fallopian tubes, or causing scar tissue. However, many women with endometriosis are still able to conceive with proper treatment and care.
When should I see a doctor for endometriosis symptoms?
You should see a doctor if you experience severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, or difficulty getting pregnant. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and improve symptom management.
How is endometriosis treated?
Treatment depends on your symptoms and goals. Options may include medication, hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Our team at Maiden Lane Medical provides personalized care to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.