What Is Endometriosis?
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is when tissue from
inside the uterus grows in other places in your belly. It can cause cramps and pain
during
your periods. Or you may have pelvic pain the whole month. If not treated, it can
affect
your health and ability to get pregnant. With early diagnosis and treatment, it can
be
managed.
Understanding endometriosis
When you have this condition,
tissue inside the uterus begins to grow in other places. It may grow on the ovaries.
It
may grow on your bowels. It may grow on the walls of your pelvis or abdomen. Very
rarely
it can be found around the lungs. During your period, this extra tissue swells with
blood. It may release tiny drops of blood. The swelling and blood irritate nearby
tissues. This causes pain and cramps. This irritation may cause scar tissue to form.
This scar tissue can attach organs together. It can cause problems getting pregnant
(infertility).
Common symptoms
If you have endometriosis, you may
have one or more of these symptoms:
Treatment choices
Treatment may help relieve pain. It
may help restore fertility. Choices include medical therapy, surgery, or both. Medicine
may help relieve some of your symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about these
choices.
Painful sex
Endometriosis can cause pain during
sex. Try to see if sex at certain times of the month is less painful for you. Some
positions may cause pain. Find out which positions reduce pain for you.
Online Medical Reviewer: Howard Goodman MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2023
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