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Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people, most often women of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month in March, INTEGRIS Health tries to answer common questions about the condition.

What is endometriosis?

At a glance: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often causing pain, inflammation and fertility challenges.

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus.

• During each menstrual cycle, this tissue thickens to prepare for potential pregnancy.
• If no pregnancy occurs, the endometrium breaks down and is shed during menstruation.

For people with endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus also responds to hormonal changes and behaves similarly to the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle.

• This means it thickens, breaks down and bleeds.
• However, unlike the uterine lining, this tissue has no way to exit the body.
• Endometriosis often develops in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, pelvic lining and the ligaments supporting the uterus (uterosacral ligaments).

What are endometriosis symptoms?

Symptoms from the tissue buildup vary in each person but can become problematic when left untreated.

• Chronic pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Fatigue and bloating
• Pain during intercourse
• Scar tissue formation
• Development of cysts

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is still not fully understood, which classifies it as idiopathic (arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown origin).

How to treat endometriosis

Endometriosis can be managed with medications, dietary changes and, in severe cases, surgery. These treatment options help manage pain, slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

• Medications help treat pain associated with endometriosis and also can impact hormones that can influence endometriosis growth.
• Surgery is typically reserved for cases of severe pain that can’t be managed by medications or when women experience infertility, bowel or bladder problems or have large endometriomas.
• Dietary modifications can play a supportive role in managing symptoms of endometriosis by reducing inflammation.

“While we cannot truly ‘cure’ endometriosis, our goal is to work with patients to develop a treatment plan to help manage their pain and associated symptoms so that they can live their life as unburdened as possible by this disease,” says  Mitchell West, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Women’s Baptist.  

Living with endometriosis can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our OBGYN specialists at INTEGRIS Health provide expert care, compassionate support and personalized solutions to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.