In Good Health: What Is Endometriosis?

March is the month of many things this year, but it is also Endometriosis Awareness Month, one of the women's health conditions still today with then lowest awareness.

Fertility doula and women's health advocate Cassie Destino helps us learn more about this painful condition that affects the lives of so many women.

Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects 1 in 10 women. It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It has many symptoms and yet diagnosing it can be difficult due to the lack of understanding and awareness of it. Many women who experience the pain and discomfort that endometriosis brings may just think that their symptoms are a normal part of their menstrual cycle and not realize that something else may be going on.

What is endometriosis?

Endometrial tissue normally lines the inside of the uterus, responding to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. However, in endometriosis, this tissue grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures.

As the menstrual cycle progresses, these displaced tissues also respond to hormonal changes, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue. This can result in a range of symptoms that vary in intensity and manifestation from person to person.

What are the signs and symptoms?

1. Pelvic Pain: One of the hallmark symptoms of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain is often more intense during menstruation but can persist throughout the menstrual cycle. The pain may be described as a dull, cramping sensation or a sharper, stabbing pain.
   

2. Dysmenorrhea: Severe menstrual cramps that go beyond the typical discomfort may be an indicator of endometriosis. Individuals with endometriosis often experience pain before and during menstruation.
   

3. Painful Intercourse: Pain during or after sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia, can be associated with endometriosis. The discomfort may vary, ranging from a deep ache to sharp pain.
   

4. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Endometriosis may contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, including shorter or longer cycles and heavier or lighter periods.
   

5. Digestive Issues: Endometriosis can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea, especially during menstruation.
   

6. Painful Bowel Movements: Painful bowel movements, often cyclical and related to the menstrual cycle, can be indicative of endometriosis affecting the bowel.
   

7. Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and a feeling of low energy may accompany endometriosis, possibly due to the body's response to chronic pain and inflammation.
   

8. Infertility: While not everyone with endometriosis experiences infertility, it can be a concern for some individuals. The condition may affect fertility by causing scar tissue or adhesions in the pelvic area.
   

9. Painful Urination: Pain or discomfort during urination, especially during menstruation, may be associated with endometriosis affecting the bladder.
   

10. Back Pain: Some individuals with endometriosis report lower back pain, which may be linked to the condition's impact on nearby nerves.