Endometriosis: what you should know

Although endometriosis can be challenging to diagnose, it affects many people. We’re here to guide you through the causes, symptoms, impact, and available diagnosis and treatment options.

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, similar to that found inside the uterus, starts growing in other areas of the pelvis, such as on the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Symptoms and Causes

Endometriosis symptoms can vary greatly, and some people may not even realize they have it. Here are the main signs to watch for:

• Intense period pains
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back, often worse during periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Discomfort when using the toilet during your period
• Nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea during menstruation
• Blood in urine or stools during your period
• Irregular or heavy periods that may soak through pads/tampons and even clothing
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Severe Fatigue
   

Who does it affect and impact

Endometriosis can affect anyone with a uterus who has periods and can last for a long period of time.

For some, the pain can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, leading to missed work or school. It can also take a toll on mental health, and some people may experience depression and anxiety due to the ongoing discomfort and disruptions.

Diagnosis

It can take an average of 7-10 years to get diagnosed with endometriosis. Many people find that their concerns are sometimes brushed off as just "bad period pains" instead of being taken seriously as potential endometriosis.

It's important that your symptoms are recognized and treated properly, so you receive the medical care and support you need.

What can you do?

If you suspect you have endometriosis, start by keeping a note of your symptoms, both physical and emotional, noting when they occur and their severity. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider and share this information with them to help them understand your experience better.

Your healthcare provider may conduct physical exams, such as tests on your abdomen or vagina, or perform an ultrasound to help diagnose your condition.

Diagnosis

Identifying endometriosis can be challenging, as the only way to be certain is through a minimally invasive surgery called a laparoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a small tube with a camera through a small incision in your abdomen to directly view and locate any excess tissue.

Typically, a laparoscopy is considered as a final step in diagnosis. However, there are treatment options to explore before or without undergoing this procedure, which are listed below.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, several treatment options can help manage symptoms, including:

• Physical therapy for the pelvic floor
• Painkillers like ibuprofen
• Hormonal contraceptives such as the Pill or IUD
• Surgery to remove endometrial tissue, which may also improve fertility if you're experiencing infertility
• A hysterectomy (removal of part or all of the womb), recommended only if fertility is not a concern

Your healthcare provider can discuss these options in detail with you.

For more information or to meet with a doctor at FPA Sri Lanka, do call us on 0779895252