OVARIANA®Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb — most often within the pelvis: on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the peritoneum. These deposits respond to the hormones of the menstrual cycle, which can cause pain and inflammation.
The most common symptoms are: period pain severe enough to interfere with ordinary activities; pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis outside your period; pain during or after sex; pain when urinating or opening your bowels, especially during your period; heavy periods. Some women also experience difficulty becoming pregnant, persistent fatigue or low mood. The same complaints can, however, have other causes — endometriosis cannot be self-diagnosed from a list of symptoms.
If your symptoms worry or limit you, book an appointment — with a gynaecologist or your family doctor. Describe when the pain occurs, how strong it gets and what it prevents you from doing. The doctor may order imaging, usually an ultrasound scan. Important: a normal ultrasound does not close the subject — not every form of the disease shows up on it, so if symptoms persist, go back and say so.
Honest information: the cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is currently no treatment that removes the disease itself. There are, however, treatments — medicines and procedures — that can ease pain and other symptoms. Seeking help makes sense even if symptoms have lasted for years. Period pain that shuts your life down is not something you simply have to endure.
When to seek urgent help: sudden, very severe abdominal or pelvic pain — particularly with fainting, fever or very heavy bleeding — calls for urgent medical attention, not a routine appointment.
Sources: [1] NHS — Endometriosis; [2] ESHRE — Guideline "Endometriosis" (2022).
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