When the endometrium tissue, which is the tissue that should line the uterus, grows in improper areas of the body, typically the pelvic reproductive areas, and causes pain, this is endometriosis. The cells that are growing outside of the uterus are the same cells that are shed each month when a woman has her period, which is why endometriosis can often be most painful during the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Sometimes a woman may not notice any symptoms of her condition at all, but often there are signs. Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- pelvic cramps that are felt one to two weeks before menstruation or cramps felt during the menstrual cycle
- pain or discomfort during intercourse
- difficulty getting pregnant or infertility
- low back pain or pelvic pain felt during the menstrual cycle
- heavy or irregular periods
- depression and anxiety
- susceptibility to infections or allergies
Endometriosis is one condition that could cause severe pain during intercourse, making sex extremely difficult or even impossible. It can also create infertility problems so a woman who is having difficulty during intercourse or problems getting pregnant may wish to seek medical assistance to either confirm or rule out this condition.
Help for Endometriosis
Women who do not plan on having children in the future and who seem to only have a mild condition of endometriosis will still want to be monitored periodically. Women who do not want children may also consider a hysterectomy to treat this problem or possible removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and any remaining scar tissue.
Some treatments involve pseudopregnancy, which is when the menstrual cycle is stopped and a physical state resembling pregnancy is created by using birth control pills to help control the menstrual cycle. This treatment may help prevent the disease from getting worse but it will not solve any damage that has already been done.
There are also various pills and injections that can be used as treatments.
Surgery is done to diagnose endometriosis and can also be used as a method of treatment. Sometimes nerve removal may be used to relieve pain, although this is considered to be a rare method of treating this condition.
While endometriosis may be a painful condition, it is treatable. The cells that are growing outside of the uterus are generally not cancerous. If a woman feels she may have this condition, she should speak with her doctor to diagnose it and discuss treatment options.
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