Posted on 3/29/2018

Endometriosis is a painful condition affecting women in their child-bearing years. It
can interfere with fertility and significantly interrupt the daily life
of sufferers. For women with severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If
you are experiencing the following symptoms, consider talking to your
physician about whether endometriosis could be to blame.
Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. For women with endometriosis,
the tissue the typically lines the uterus grows outside of it, often along
the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and throughout the abdominal cavity. This
tissue often responds to hormonal changes in the same way it does inside
of the uterus, so it bleeds during your menstrual cycle.
Because the blood cannot be expelled in the same way it is from your uterus,
it builds up and causes pain and pressure. Depending on the location of
the tissue growth, women may experience:
- Intense menstrual cramping
- Pain in the back and pelvis
- Painful sex
- Painful bowel movements
Bleeding Between Periods
Women with endometriosis may experience bleeding between their periods.
This bleeding can range from mild spotting to flows similar to menstruation.
It can be difficult to predict when the bleeding will occur, making it
difficult to manage.
Endometriosis isn’t the only women’s health issue that can
cause bleeding between periods, so it’s important to get an accurate
diagnosis of the cause if you are experiencing this symptom.
Infertility
It is possible to get pregnant when you have endometriosis, but it is
more difficult. Physicians are not sure why endometriosis interferes with
fertility, but the excess tissue may make it difficult for the sperm and
egg to reach each other or the lining of the uterus may not be properly
developed for implantation.
Approximately
50% of women who are struggling to conceive have endometriosis.
Endometriosis can be a debilitating and frustrating condition, but the
women’s health providers at Los Robles Health & Medical Center
can help. We offer comprehensive women’s health services for gynecological
conditions, as well as
obstetrics and breast care. To get a referral to a specialist, please call (877) 888-5746.