Oak Valley Health’s patient education pages share the skills, knowledge, and habits patients and families need to know to cope with a daily health issue. We hope this information can influence patient behaviour to improve health outcomes and provide you with a sense of control and autonomy.
Learn more about the risks, causes, and treatment of endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium-like tissue grows outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and is shed at the time of menstruation. In endometriosis, this tissue begins to grow on pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and bowel. It most commonly affects the ovaries, and the inner lining of the pelvis, called the peritoneum.
Every menstrual cycle, the uterus sheds the endometrium, causing bleeding. The endometriosis tissue bleeds at the same time, wherever it is growing outside the uterus. Since blood is irritating to tissues that are not normally exposed to it, this can cause pain. Endometriosis can also make it difficult for a woman to conceive.
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but a number of theories have been proposed, including:
Retrograde menstrual flow
Hematogenous or lymphatic spread
Coelomic metaplasia
Disorder if the immune system
You have a family history of endometriosis
You are having trouble getting pregnant
You started your period at age 10 or younger
An unusual shape to your uterus that causes blood to reflux
Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or back with menses
Pain with vaginal intercourse
Menstrual cycles that are heavy and/or irregular
Pain or bleeding with bowel movements
Difficulty getting pregnant
This condition has no cure, but symptoms can be managed with the following:
Anti-inflammatory medicines
Hormone therapy
Surgery to remove abnormal tissue
Laparoscopy
Laparotomy
Types of treatments also depend on whether you want to become pregnant in the future.
You are experiencing new and uncontrollable pain
You are having difficulties getting pregnant
You have worsening nausea and vomiting with your period
Severe pain that does not improve with medication
Severe nausea and vomiting, or inability to eat or drink without vomiting
Pain that only affects the lower, right side of your abdomen
