Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Medically Reviewed on 8/23/2021
Doctor's Notes on Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common disorder in women in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) develops in other areas of the body, typically within the pelvic area or the abdominal cavity. In rare cases, endometriosis occurs outside the abdominal cavity, such as in the brain or lungs. It may also develop in surgical scars following surgery on pelvic organs. Endometriosis is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. Endometriosis can also cause infertility.
Symptoms of endometriosis can vary in intensity and may include
- pelvic pain that is worse just before menstruation and improves at the end of the menstrual period,
- pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), and
- infertility.
The pain is often described as a constant, aching pain that is deep and often spreads to both sides of the pelvic region, the lower back, abdomen, and buttocks.
Endometriosis symptoms usually go away when a woman goes through menopause.
What Are the Treatments for Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is treated with medications and surgery. Medications are to treat endometriosis symptoms and the overgrowth of abnormal tissue.
Medications used to treat endometriosis include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain
- Hormonal birth control
- Pills, patches, and vaginal rings to reduce or prevent menstrual bleeding
- Intrauterine device (IUD) containing progestin to help treat pain
- Aromatase inhibitors
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs and GnRH antagonists
- Nafarelin (Synarel)
- Leuprolide (Lupron)
- Elagolix (Orilissa)
Surgical treatments for endometriosis can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. These surgical treatments include:
- Endometriosis surgery is often done laparoscopically, and the goal is to remove endometriosis and scar tissue
- A laparoscopy can be used initially to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis
- It is not a permanent cure and endometriosis tissue frequently grows back and pain returns without post-surgical treatment such as hormonal birth control
- Surgery for endometrioma (ovarian cysts containing endometriosis tissue) is usually only done if the cyst is larger than 4 to 5 cm, symptomatic, or growing
- A full hysterectomy with removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes is the only potential cure for endometriosis in patients who:
- Do not wish to become pregnant in the future
- Want a permanent treatment
- Have tried and failed medical management
Endometriosis : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionEndometriosis occurs deep inside the uterus.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis
Uterine adenomyosis causes the inner lining of the uterus to grow into the muscle wall of the uterus (myometrium) causing heavy, painful menstrual periods. Adenomyosis is often seen with other uterine problems such as endometriosis. In endometriosis, endometrial cells (the lining of the uterus) grow outside of the uterus. Both adenomyosis and endometriosis cause pain, but endometriosis does not usually result in heavy menstrual periods. -
Adhesions
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form over organs. Adhesions can occur in the abdomen, pelvic region, or around the heart. Adhesions generally do not cause symptoms; however, they may cause abdominal or pelvic pain, and shortness of breath. The only way to treat adhesions is surgery to free them. -
Antibiotics
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Antidepressant Medications
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Chlamydia In Women
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CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
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Do I Have Endometriosis?
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Dysuria (Painful Urination)
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Exercise
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Female Sexual Problems
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How Do You Explain Endometriosis Pain?
Endometriosis causes endometrial tissue to grow outside of the womb, which can cause pain and fertility problems. Endometriosis pain varies from person to person, but can sometimes cause disabling pain, pain only associated with menstrual periods, pain during sex, or pain during a bowel movement. -
How Serious Is Endometriosis?
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Hysterectomy
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Infertility
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Interstitial Cystitis
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Laparoscopy
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Menopause
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Menstrual Cramps
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Pap Smear Test
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Pregnancy Week by Week
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Symptoms and Signs: Painful Urination (Dysuria)
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Ultrasound
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Yoga
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Yoga FAQs
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.