condition
Endometriosis
Endometriosis describes a very common condition where deposits of the endometrium (the inner lining of a woman’s womb) grow outside of the womb, which can cause pain. Endometriosis affects up to 1 in 10 women in the US and frequently runs in families. The endometrium consists of glands, blood vessels, and other supportive tissues. During the menstrual cycle, hormones cause the endometrium to thicken to nourish an embryo in case of pregnancy.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition with repetitive irritation from the deposits present outside of the womb. These deposits can cause inflammation and, eventually, scarring. This causes parts of pelvic organs to stick together, increasing the sensitivity of nerves and leading to chronic pain. The cervix (the neck of the womb) is commonly affected.
What can you find here?
Symptoms of endometriosis
Endometriosis often results in painful periods (especially in teenagers) that can either come in cycles or be constant or long-standing pelvic pain. Alongside these more common symptoms, endometriosis can also present with a wide variety of other symptoms. Because of this, it can sometimes take time to reach the correct diagnosis.
Other symptoms of endometriosis include heavy periods (changing your tampon or pad more often than every two hours), bloating, pain or discomfort during sex, pain when pooping or peeing, feeling tired all the time, and struggling to get pregnant.
Caidr pharmacists' top tips
Over-the-counter treatments can help with the pain symptoms caused by endometriosis, although they won’t cure the condition or improve fertility.
You can take simple steps to ease the pain, such as using a hot water bottle or a hot bath. Being comfortable and reducing stress will also be beneficial.
You can discuss with your pharmacist a trial of painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It can be helpful to start taking these a day or so before your period pain is expected.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have symptoms that you think could be explained by endometriosis, then book a routine appointment with your doctor. Endometriosis can be tricky to diagnose, and your doctor will start with the basics of hearing your story and, if you are comfortable, examining you. Your doctor may then arrange further tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound scan, followed by a referral to the specialist team if they think it would be helpful.
Endometriosis treatment
Medical treatments for endometriosis aim to reduce your symptoms, assist you with managing the condition, and stop the disease from progressing. Painkillers can be increased to control the pain adequately.
Your doctor may also discuss hormonal treatments, such as the contraceptive pill, the coil, or an injection to prevent ovulation and the growth of endometrial deposits. The hormones aim to prevent the endometrial deposits from bleeding and causing inflammation.
Your doctor can also refer you for psychological support, such as talking therapies, to assist with managing the symptoms and disease.
If you are referred to a specialist, they may consider doing a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery with a camera) to look at the pelvic organs and assess whether there are visible deposits. These can sometimes be treated surgically by either gentle scraping or removed using a laser or heat device.
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