Some disease conditions are thought to be rare, but they are more common than we think. Endometriosis is one of them. Let’s take a deep dive into all about endometriosis.
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. This means that the female hormone, estrogen, facilitates its growth. The condition is seen mostly in females in their reproductive years and is rare in those who have not started seeing their period or those in their menopause, as they have lower estrogen levels.
Roughly 10% (190 million) of females globally are diagnosed with endometriosis. It is most common in those in their 30s and 40s, with the highest incidence among those ages 25–29.
The exact prevalence of this condition is not certain because some people with it either have no symptoms or experience mild symptoms, making them disregard seeing a doctor. Delay in diagnosis of endometriosis and limited healthcare specialists and treatment facilities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are also factors.
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that occurs when tissue similar to the one found in the inner parts of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Such endometrial tissues typically occur in other pelvic areas, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. But they have also been found in areas outside the pelvic area, e.g., the intestine, lungs, and abdominal wall.
Endometriosis can affect a person’s quality of life and is commonly associated with severe pain during sexual intercourse, periods, bowel movements, and/or urination.
Similar to the inner tissue that lines the endometrium, endometriotic tissues respond to the normal menstrual cycle—the proliferative, secretory, and menstrual phases of the cycle. This means they grow and shed during periods, just like the endometrium. However, without a way of flowing out through the vagina, they get trapped in the body.
This entrapment leads to inflammation, and the formation of thick scar tissues, which result in a series of symptoms people with the condition experience, especially pain.
One of the most widely used and best-known systems of endometriosis classification is that developed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). ASRM classified endometriosis into four stages depending on the location, the extent of endometriosis spread, and the depth of organ/tissue infiltration. They are as follows:
Fibroids and endometriosis have some common symptoms and are both benign (non-cancerous) growths of tissues found in the pelvic region, but they are different medical conditions. Fibroids are abnormal growths in the muscle layer of the uterus, while endometriosis is the growth of endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus.
Notably, endometriosis and fibroids can occur simultaneously in an individual. A study showed that about 20% of patients with symptomatic fibroids had endometriosis, and 26% of patients with symptomatic endometriosis also had fibroids. One can also be a risk factor for the other.
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown; however, there are some factors that may contribute to its development. These factors include:
In some people, endometriosis can cause little or no symptoms. However, in the majority of cases, the symptoms are severe and can affect all aspects of a person's life. Some of these symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Many people experience cramping during menstruation, but for those with endometriosis, the pain is more severe and can be incapacitating. In addition to this, they experience other symptoms like heavy and prolonged menstrual flow, headaches, fatigue, leg and back pain, and gastrointestinal discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
These symptoms are mostly consistent with each month's period.
Depending on where the endometriosis tissue is located, certain sex positions can cause more intense pain. If it occurs in the space between the vagina and the rectum—called the pouch of Douglas, it can cause pain and irritation during sex.
Neuropathy is a nerve disease characterized by weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage in the affected part of the body. When an endometriotic lesion occurs close to a nerve, it can compress the nerve, causing damage to it. Neuropathy in endometriosis can manifest as chronic pelvic pain, back and leg pain, or hip pain.
Depending on the location of the lesions, endometriosis can cause gastrointestinal discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. These may be worse during your period.
Research has indicated that endometriosis is associated with infertility, especially in moderate to severe cases. About 4 in 10 people with infertility have endometriosis. This may be as a result of endometriotic lesions blocking the ovaries and fallopian tubes, preventing the release and transport of eggs.
Because the symptoms of endometriosis can mimic those of other diseases such as interstitial cystitis, its diagnosis can be complex and may take some time. Ways doctors diagnose endometriosis include:
Currently, no cure has been found for endometriosis, but there are treatment methods available to help relieve its symptoms.
The choice of treatment for endometriosis is based on individual symptoms and the individual's desire to conceive in the future.
If you have endometriosis, your treatment may include:
Drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), e.g., Ibuprofen, narcotics, e.g., pentazocine, and other pain-relieving drugs can help treat endometriosis pain.
Some endometriosis symptoms are caused by fluctuations of the female sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone. Also, endometriosis responds to the level of estrogen in the body. Higher estrogen levels trigger the growth of endometriosis tissues, and vice versa. This is why hormonal therapy works for endometriosis treatment.
Common hormonal therapies used include:
Surgical procedures such as hysterectomy, deep excision surgery, and ablation and cauterization can be helpful for treating endometriosis. The aim of deep excision and ablation is to remove endometriotic lesions that are deep or superficial in a tissue or organ. Hysterectomy, on the other hand, means partially or totally removing the womb.
It is best to discuss each treatment option with your healthcare team. Ask questions about the pros and cons and work with them to decide the best option for you.
Other treatment methods that may provide relief are:
Endometriosis often does not go away on its own. However, research has shown a reduction in the symptoms during pregnancy and possible shrinkage of the tissues in menopausal and postmenopausal females. This is attributed to the lower level of estrogen during these times.
In pregnancy, progesterone is increased, lowering the estrogen level and reducing symptoms, whereas, in menopause, a drastic reduction in estrogen level causes possible shrinkage and a reduction of symptoms.
Knowing how your body functions is the first step to detecting when something has changed. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, especially if they persist for a long time, it's best to visit your doctor.
Your doctor will most likely refer you to a gynecologist for a proper examination and diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment help reduce the severity of this condition.