What Is Endometriosis?

The basics about endometriosis and when to talk to your doctor.

Endometriosis is a severe condition that 1 in 10 menstruating people experience. It's a debilitating, invisible illness with no cure. Treatments such as excision surgery can be helpful in temporarily decreasing the symptoms; until the endometriosis grows back.

“Receiving an official endometriosis diagnosis can take 7 - 10 years.”

Endometriosis Overview

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to—but not the same as—the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can grow anywhere in the pelvic region but is not limited to the pelvis. It has been found throughout the organs of the body, including the brain, eyes, and lungs.

The endometriotic tissue follows the same process as the menstrual cycle, but it doesn't have any way of leaving the body, so it just builds on itself. Endometriomas are ovarian cysts that are caused by and made of endometriotic tissue. Scar tissue and adhesions can grow over time and can lead to organs sticking to each other in more advanced cases of endometriosis.

Symptoms

“Endometriosis is one of the most painful conditions in the world."

The symptoms of endometriosis can occur throughout the entire menstrual cycle but tend to worsen during menstruation. Pain is the most prevalent symptom of endometriosis but is not indicative of the stage of endometriosis. Other symptoms include:

• Irregular periods

• Dyspareunia (painful sex)

• Severe cramps

• Heavy, excessive bleeding

• Pain during urination

• Infertility issues

• Pain during bowel movement

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Low back pain

• Bloating (a.k.a. endo belly)

• Ovulation pain

• Constipation

• Insomnia

• Brain fog

• Anxiety

• Depression

Talk To Your Doctor

If you have been experiencing any or all of these symptoms, talk to your doctor and/or gynecologist right away. Tracking your symptoms over a few months can help support your case for endometriosis. Remember to advocate for yourself and ask for a referral to an endometriosis specialist. Dr. Elizabeth Randle is currently the only endometriosis excision specialist in Atlantic Canada. She works out of the IWK Women's Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.