WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects approximately one in ten individuals assigned female at birth. The term, pronounced en-doe-mee-tree-oh-sis, comes from Latin and means "inside the uterus disease."
In this condition, tissue and cells similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, forming endometriosis implants on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs.
Research has recently shown that endometriosis may be a chronic, systemic disease that affects the entire body and not just a single organ or body part.
Symptoms often include but are not limited to severe pelvic pain, painful periods, back pain, infertility, depression,migraines and fatigue, impacting individuals from puberty to menopause.
Symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely; some individuals may experience severe and debilitating symptoms, while others may have none at all. It’s important to recognise that symptoms do not always correlate with the location or type of endometriosis.
Additionally, symptoms of endometriosis can overlap with those of other health conditions. If your symptoms significantly affect your daily life, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor.
Types of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is classified into four distinct types, and it is important to understand that individuals can have more than one type at the same time. Each type is categorised based on the location, quantity, and depth of endometrial lesions.
Peritoneal (Superficial) Endometriosis: This type occurs predominantly on the pelvic peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the pelvis and envelops the pelvic organs.
Ovarian Endometriosis (Endometrioma): This form arises when endometriosis cysts are found in the ovaries.
Deep Endometriosis: This serious type is located in deeper structures, such as the bladder, bowel, and recto-vaginal septum, which separates the vagina and rectum. The lesions here penetrate much deeper than those seen in superficial endometriosis.
Extra-Pelvic Endometriosis: This type is identified when endometriosis is present outside the pelvic region, affecting areas like the thorax (chest) and cesarean scars.
There is also another similiar and/or condition called adenomyosis. It is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb. Adenomyosis is more commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 30. You can have only endometriosis or adenomyosis, although it’s quite common to have both.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adenomyosis/
Common symptoms of endometriosis include, but are not limited to:
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Pelvic pain
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Painful periods that significantly interfere with daily activities
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Heavy menstrual bleeding
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Pain during or after sex
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Painful bowel movements
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Pain when urinating
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Difficulty getting pregnant—while up to 70% of individuals with endometriosis may conceive naturally, it is a leading cause of infertility, particularly among Black women
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Fatigue, often accompanied by one or more of the above symptoms
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Bloating, which can also occur in individuals without endometriosis; however, persistent bloating may indicate other health issues
Living with endometriosis can greatly impact mental health and overall well-being. With appropriate treatment, many of these challenges can be addressed, and the symptoms of endometriosis can be managed more effectively.
While there is no cure for endometriosis, various management and treatment options are available, including pain management, hormone therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
Finding the right treatment can take time, and responses to treatment can vary from person to person, which is why discussing your situation with a doctor is crucial.
It’s also important to remember:
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Endometriosis symptoms can mimic those of other health conditions.
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Endometriosis is not a sexually transmitted infection and is not contagious. Recent studies published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicated that 40% of Black women misdiagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) actually had endometriosis.
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Endometriosis is not cancer.
The cause of endometriosis remains unknown, and there is currently no definitive cure. Patients typically wait between 8 to 12 years for a diagnosis. Unfortunately, research indicates that Black women are 50% less likely to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis compared to white women.
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