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What is Endometriosis?

Pelvic pain that worsens over time. Severe cramping during your menstrual period. Pain during or after sex. Heavy periods or bleeding between periods. Pain with bowel movements or urination. If any of these symptoms are familiar, you may be suffering from endometriosis, a condition caused when uterine tissue is found outside the uterus, usually in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other regions of the pelvis. During your menstrual cycle, the displaced tissue is unable to exit the body, which can cause pain and irritation.

Endometriosis is one of the most common health problems for women. Though most common in women in their 30s and 40s, endometriosis affects over five million women of all ages in the United States. While the reasons for endometriosis are not completely understood, there are many factors that can increase your risk, including never giving birth; a mother, aunt, grandmother or sister with endometriosis; history of pelvic infection; and uterine abnormalities. Because of its symptoms, endometriosis may be mistaken for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and an ultrasound, though a laparoscopic surgical procedure may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and can include medication, surgery, or both. Left untreated, endometriosis can cause infertility.

To learn more about endometriosis and other gynecological challenges, please visit our “Pelvic Pain” page or contact your Capital Women’s Care provider.