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Endometriosis is a common health problem for women that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Most often, endometriosis is found on the:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Tissues that hold the uterus in place
• Outer surface of the uterus
• Lining of the pelvic cavity

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain in the pelvis or lower abdominal area, or in the lower back, which primarily is present during your menstrual period. Other endometriosis symptoms include:

• Very painful menstrual cramps that may get worse over time
• Chronic lower back and pelvic pain
• Intestinal pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods
• Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods

The pain from endometriosis comes from the nature of the endometrial tissue. Every month, hormones cause the build-up of tissue and blood vessels in the uterus in case you become pregnant. If you don’t get pregnant, your uterus sheds this tissue and blood during your menstrual period. The endometrial tissue of endometriosis responds to hormones the same way, only the tissue and blood are shed within the body. This can cause inflammation, scar tissue, and pain, which gets worse over time as the endometrial tissue grows.

No one knows for sure what causes endometriosis, but if you have symptoms, talk to your doctor at the Cheyenne Women’s Clinic who will make a diagnosis that may involve a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laparoscopy (a minor surgery that enables the doctor to visually check for endometrial tissue or remove suspected tissue for a biopsy).

As there is no known cause for endometriosis, there is also no cure. However, there are many treatments for the pain and infertility problems it causes, which include:

• Pain medications: over-the-counter medications often work well for women with mild symptoms, and your doctor can prescribe stronger pain relievers if necessary.
• Hormone treatments: used treat small growths that don’t have a lot of associated pain
• Surgery: used to treat severe endometriosis (many growths, severe pain, or infertility problems)

Talking to your doctor at the Cheyenne Women’s Clinic will help determine which treatment approach will be the best for your situation.