Endometriosis Awareness
Understanding Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many individuals go undiagnosed for years, experiencing chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms without clear answers.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called endometrial tissue, grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and even other organs such as the intestines or bladder. Like the normal uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding. However, because this tissue has no way to exit the body, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions).
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience severe symptoms while others have mild or no symptoms at all. Common signs include:
- Pelvic Pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic region, often worsening during menstruation.
- Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Severe menstrual cramps that may interfere with daily activities.
- Pain During or After Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
- Painful Bowel Movements or Urination: Especially during menstrual periods.
- Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Bleeding: Periods that are longer or heavier than usual.
- Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant, which may be the first sign of endometriosis for some individuals.
- Fatigue, Bloating, and Nausea: These symptoms often accompany endometriosis.
It is important to note that endometriosis symptoms can also be symptoms of other health conditions and that endometriosis is not a sexually transmitted infection and is not contagious.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging and it can take some time, as symptoms overlap with other conditions.
Recent research shows that there is an average of 8 years and 10 months between someone first seeing a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis.
A definitive diagnosis is typically made through a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to examine and biopsy affected tissue.
Scans, blood tests and internal examinations are not a conclusive way to diagnose endometriosis and a normal scan, blood test and internal examination does not mean that you do not have endometriosis.
Treatments
While there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Pain Management:
- Over-the-counter pain relief.
- Prescription medications for severe pain.
- Physiotherapy
- Pain clinics
Hormonal Therapy:
- Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings to regulate hormone levels.
- Progestogens
- GnRH analogues
Surgical Treatment:
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue.
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Oopherectomy (removal of one or both ovaries)
Lifestyle and Alternative Therapies:
- Dietary changes, such as reducing inflammatory foods.
- Regular exercise to improve blood flow and reduce pain.
- Acupuncture, physical therapy, and mindfulness techniques for symptom relief.
Living with Endometriosis
Managing endometriosis can be challenging, but support from healthcare providers, support groups, and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s essential to seek medical advice and advocate for yourself to get the diagnosis and treatment you need.
Understanding endometriosis is the first step toward raising awareness and ensuring better care for those affected by this condition.
March 2025 is Endometriosis Action Month and Endometriosis UK's theme this year is 'Endometriosis Explained', exploring both how endometriosis must be better understood by the general public and better explained to patients by all healthcare practitioners.
Staff at Starlight Ultrasound are experienced in performing pelvis / gynaecology scans, fertility scans as well as pregnancy scans on women with endometriosis, adenomyosis or those with symptoms of either condition.
Starlight Ultrasound offers early pregnancy scans from five weeks gestation which can help identify or rule out ectopic or molar pregnancies.