What is endometriosis?
The tissue that lines the uterus (womb) is called the endometrium, and when this type of tissue grows outside of the uterus, it’s known as endometriosis.
Who does it affect?
Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, and is rarely seen before the onset of periods (menarche) or after the cessation of periods (menopause).
Symptoms
Endometriosis is often the cause of infertility and pelvic pain. Other possible symptoms include:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain during intercourse or bowel movements
- Spotting for several days before period becomes full flow
- Lower back pain
How it’s diagnosed
There is no single convenient test for endometriosis. Doctors often base their diagnosis on the woman’s medical history, a pelvic exam, and tests such as ultrasound and MRI. In some cases, a procedure called a laparoscopy is used to definitively diagnose or rule out endometriosis.
Treatment
Treatments for endometriosis include non-narcotic pain relievers, hormone therapy, and/or surgery.
Infertility
For about 1 in 3 women who have otherwise unexplained infertility, endometriosis is the cause. To help these women get pregnant, doctors may recommend medications to reduce inflammation, surgery to optimize natural fertility, fertility medication approaches or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Managing endometriosis
Your doctor can help you manage the symptoms of endometriosis and improve your quality of life, so start the conversation today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit uabmedicine.org/women.