Endometriosis

is a common health problem in women. It is characterized when the tissue of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It can be very painful.

Endometriosis Overview

Reviewed: May 27, 2014
Updated: 

Endometriosis, occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus on other organs or structures in the body.

Endometriosis causes pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, or the lower back, mainly during menstrual periods. The symptoms range from mild to severe.

The cause of endometriosis is not known. Sometimes it runs in families. Therefore, endometriosis is more common in women with a family member (mother, aunt, sister) with endometriosis.

Treatment options include pain medicines and hormones. Severe cases may need surgery. There are also treatments to improve fertility in women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis Symptoms

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, or the lower back, mainly during menstrual periods. The amount of pain a woman feels does not depend on how much endometriosis she has. Some women have no pain, even though their disease affects large areas. Other women with endometriosis have severe pain even though they have only a few small growths.

Symptoms of endometriosis can include:

  • Very painful menstrual cramps; pain may get worse over time
  • Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Intestinal pain
  • Painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods
  • Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Infertility or not being able to get pregnant
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods