Endometriosis: what is it?

Endometriosis: what is it?

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) develops outside the uterus.

This tissue can be found :

• on the ovaries
• on the fallopian tubes
• on the peritoneum
• sometimes on other organs (intestine, bladder...)

Like the endometrium, this tissue reacts to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. It thickens, bleeds and causes inflammation, but unlike menstruation, blood cannot drain normally.

This can lead to :

• pain
• chronic inflammation
• adhesions between organs

A common but under-diagnosed disease

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.

However :

• diagnosis is often delayed
• symptoms are sometimes minimized
• some people remain undiagnosed for several years

The most common symptoms

Endometriosis does not manifest itself in the same way in everyone.

The most common symptoms are

• intense menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
• chronic pelvic pain
• pain during sexual intercourse
• digestive pain (bloating, disturbed transit)
• pain during urination or bowel movements
• severe fatigue
• sometimes difficulty conceiving

Important:

• the intensity of pain does not always reflect the extent of the disease
• some people may have few lesions but a lot of pain, and vice versa

Why endometriosis hurts

Pain is linked to several mechanisms:

• chronic inflammation
• tissue irritation
• internal bleeding
• adhesions between organs
• nerve damage in some cases

These mechanisms may explain :

• pain during menstruation
• pain outside the period
• digestive or urinary pain

Endometriosis and the menstrual cycle

Symptoms are often more intense :

• during menstruation
• just before menstruation

But some people experience pain :

• throughout the cycle
• chronically

Endometriosis and fertility

Endometriosis can sometimes complicate pregnancy, particularly if :

• the fallopian tubes are affected
• ovulation is disrupted
• there are significant adhesions

However :

• many women with endometriosis can become pregnant
• spontaneously or with medical assistance

How the disease is diagnosed

Diagnosis can be complex and time-consuming.

It is generally based on :

• symptoms
• clinical examination
• imaging (ultrasound, MRI)
• sometimes laparoscopy (exploratory surgery)

There is no single simple test for diagnosing endometriosis.

Can endometriosis be treated?

Endometriosis is a chronic disease.

There is no single treatment that will make it go away for good, but there are effective treatments for :

• reduce pain
• improve quality of life
• preserve fertility

Options may include :

• hormonal treatments
• analgesics
• surgery in certain cases
• overall support (diet, physical activity, stress management)

The role of inflammation

Endometriosis is associated with chronic inflammation.

This may explain :

• fatigue
• pain
• digestive problems

An adapted lifestyle can help to better manage this inflammation on a daily basis.

When to consult

It's important to seek advice if you have :

• very intense menstrual pain
• pain that prevents you from living normally
• pain during intercourse
• digestive or urinary pain linked to the cycle
• severe fatigue
• difficulty conceiving

Very severe menstrual pain is not normal and should be assessed.

To sum up

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which a tissue similar to the endometrium develops outside the uterus.

It can lead to :

• severe pain
• inflammation
• fatigue
• digestive problems
• sometimes fertility problems

It does not manifest itself in the same way in everyone.

The most important thing is :

• don't trivialize pain
• listen to your body
• consult a doctor when in doubt
• implement appropriate treatment