What is endometriosis pain

He or she can recommend treatments, such as surgery to remove the endometrial growths. Research shows a link between endometriosis and other health problems in women and their families. Some of these include:. For more information about endometriosis, call the OWH Helpline at or contact the following organizations:.

Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays. Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Endometriosis. Endometriosis Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus womb grows outside of the uterus. What is endometriosis? Most often, endometriosis is found on the: Ovaries Fallopian tubes Tissues that hold the uterus in place Outer surface of the uterus Other sites for growths can include the vagina, cervix, vulva, bowel, bladder, or rectum. What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Symptoms of endometriosis can include: Pain. This is the most common symptom. Women with endometriosis may have many different kinds of pain. These include: Very painful menstrual cramps. The pain may get worse over time.

Chronic long-term pain in the lower back and pelvis Pain during or after sex. This is usually described as a "deep" pain and is different from pain felt at the entrance to the vagina when penetration begins. Intestinal pain Painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods.

In rare cases, you may also find blood in your stool or urine. Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods. This can be caused by something other than endometriosis. If it happens often, you should see your doctor. Infertility , or not being able to get pregnant. Stomach digestive problems. These include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods. Why does endometriosis cause pain and health problems?

Endometriosis growths are benign not cancerous. But they can still cause problems. The growths may also continue to expand and cause problems, such as: Blocking your fallopian tubes when growths cover or grow into your ovaries. Trapped blood in the ovaries can form cysts. Inflammation swelling Forming scar tissue and adhesions type of tissue that can bind your organs together.

This scar tissue may cause pelvic pain and make it hard for you to get pregnant. Problems in your intestines and bladder. How common is endometriosis? Who gets endometriosis? You might be more likely to get endometriosis if you have: Never had children Menstrual periods that last more than seven days Short menstrual cycles 27 days or fewer A family member mother, aunt, sister with endometriosis A health problem that blocks the normal flow of menstrual blood from your body during your period.

What causes endometriosis? No one knows for sure what causes this disease. Researchers are studying possible causes: Problems with menstrual period flow. Retrograde menstrual flow is the most likely cause of endometriosis.

Some of the tissue shed during the period flows through the fallopian tube into other areas of the body, such as the pelvis. Genetic factors. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help. The symptoms of endometriosis can vary.

Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms. You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through your clothes. For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to feelings of depression. See a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life. It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor inserts a laparoscope through a small incision in the pelvic area. This provides images of tissue changes. There are different ways of staging endometriosis. In , the American Society of Reproductive Medicine ASRM set out four stages to describe the severity of endometriosis, ranging from minimal to severe. The stages of endometriosis are not specifically linked to levels of pain, the impact on mental health, and other factors.

However, the risk of infertility appears to increase as the stages progress. There is controversy regarding the stages. Some experts say they do not help doctors decide which treatment to offer, as they do not adequately reflect how the disease affects an individual. Various dietary factors may affect the risk of developing endometriosis, the way a person experiences symptoms, and their overall sense of well-being.

A interview study involving 12 people concluded that focusing on dietary factors helped relieve pain and fatigue. This may be partly due to an enhanced awareness of endometriosis and an increased focus on diet and well-being overall.

However, the studies that produced these suggestions were small, and there is no information regarding the race or ethnicity of participants. Researchers have not yet found enough evidence to confirm that any dietary steps will affect the risk or impact of endometriosis. Here, learn more about how dietary choices may benefit a person with endometriosis.

Two known risk factors are starting menstruation before the age of 11 years and heavy and prolonged menstruation, but other factors may play a role. These include :. Experts have linked some health conditions with endometriosis. Researchers also have found links between endometriosis and exposure to certain chemicals, including phthalates.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue resembling that which grows in the uterus develops in other areas of the body. It can lead to tissue damage and pain, and it can affect fertility. There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort.

Some people may need surgery. Endometriosis causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow elsewhere in the body. People with endometriosis may be more likely to experience…. Johns Hopkins fertility and gynecology experts share the top three things they want women to be aware of regarding reproductive health. For many women, simply having a diagnosis of endometriosis brings relief.

A diagnosis of endometriosis can only be certain, though, when the doctor performs a laparoscopy, biopsies any suspicious tissue and the diagnosis is confirmed by examining the tissue beneath a microscope. Laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera at the end, is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. Laparoscopy is also used to determine the location, extent and size of the endometrial growths.

Ultrasound : A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. CT scan : A noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images — often called slices — of the body to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary X-ray.

MRI scan : A noninvasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure. A staging, or classification, system for endometriosis has been developed by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. The stages are classified as follows:. The stage of endometriosis is based on the location, amount, depth and size of the endometrial tissue. Specific criteria include:. The stage of the endometriosis does not necessarily reflect the level of pain experienced, risk of infertility or symptoms present.

For example, it is possible for a woman in stage 1 to be in tremendous pain, while a woman in stage 4 may be asymptomatic. If symptoms are mild, health care providers generally agree that no further treatment, other than pain medication, is necessary. Pain medication: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or other over-the-counter analgesics. Oral contraceptives, with combined estrogen and progestin a synthetic form of progesterone hormones, to prevent ovulation and reduce menstrual flow.

Laparoscopy also used to help diagnose endometriosis : A minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall; using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic area, the doctor can often remove the endometrial growths.

Laparotomy : A more extensive surgery to remove as much of the displaced endometrium as possible without damaging healthy tissue.