Endometriosis

About endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body.

Each month, this tissue responds to the monthly menstrual cycle in the same way as the lining of the womb. The lining builds up, then breaks down followed by bleeding.

But unlike the lining of the womb, which leaves the body as a period, the tissue has no way of leaving the body.

It can be found in many different areas of the body, including:

  • The lining of the inside of the pelvis
  • The ovaries (endometrioma cysts)
  • The bowel or bladder
  • The diaphragm
  • In caesarean section scars

While endometriosis is generally found within the pelvic cavity, it’s sometimes found in other parts of the body, such as the lungs.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some people have no symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Painful periods
  • Pain in the lower abdomen (tummy), pelvis or lower back
  • Pain during and after sex
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Discomfort when going to the toilet

Symptoms may be associated with your period or a certain point in the menstrual cycle, rather than being continual.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Persistent exhaustion and tiredness (fatigue)
  • Bleeding from your back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo (usually at the same time as your period)
  • Coughing blood – in less common cases, when the endometriosis tissue is in the lung

The symptoms don’t necessarily reflect how much endometriosis tissue a person has. A small amount could be more painful than a large amount.

Diagnosing endometriosis

It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can vary considerably and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

See Gynecologist in Noida if you have symptoms so they can try to help you.