Endometriosis

In the UK, it is reported that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffer from Endometriosis.1

Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes heavy and painful periods. It occurs when small pieces of the womb lining (endometrium) are found elsewhere in the body, outside the womb, such as in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder or vagina.2

Each month, this tissue reacts as it does in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. However, as it is not in the womb, this blood cannot escape.3

Cause

There is currently no known cause for Endometriosis. However, there are treatment options available to provide support to those with the condition.4

Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person and range from symptoms linked to periods to pain during sex and painful bowel movements.5 Symptoms linked to periods include:

  • Period pain that stops you from doing normal activities4
  • Pelvic pain that is usually worse during your period4
  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding between periods5
  • Loss of ‘old’ or ‘dark blood’ before a period5
  • Heavy periods with or without clots5
  • Prolonged bleeding5

The Effects

Endometriosis can significantly affect daily activities, with chronic pain and fatigue disrupting hobbies and work life.

  • Heavy Bleeding: Many women with endometriosis experience heavy menstrual bleeding, medically called ‘menorrhagia’. This can be caused by the endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. Unlike the normal shedding of the endometrium during your period, the misplaced tissue has nowhere to go and breaks down within the body. This breakdown can lead to heavier bleeding that requires more frequent pad or tampon changes, sometimes even doubling up for protection. It can take a physical and mental toll, causing stress and impacting daily life.6
  • Anxiety and depression: With the regular occurrence of issues caused by Endometriosis, women can be negatively affected by their mental health, leading to feelings of worry or low mood.7
  • Social isolation: With the pain and fatigue caused by Endometriosis, it can be difficult to participate in social activities with friends, family or groups, leading to social isolation.8
  • Pain during sex: Endometriosis can cause pain during sex, negatively impacting relationships and intimacy. 9
  • Infertility: Scarring from this misplaced tissue can block fallopian tubes and hinder egg implantation. While surgery to remove the extra tissue can improve fertility, it doesn’t guarantee success.10

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options to manage Endometriosis, aiming to improve a person’s quality of life. To begin this process, consider tracking your periods using a diary, before booking an appointment with a GP to discuss the best treatment options.

Possible options include Hormone Treatment, Surgery, and Endometrial Ablation.

Finding Support

The wider conversations surrounding Endometriosis aim to create more action towards treatment, as this is often a prolonged process. With the support of a Heavy Period Questionnaire and Diary, there is an opportunity to inform your GP visit with a comprehensive account and accelerate the journey towards treatment.

Do you suspect you have Endometriosis, and it’s impacting your daily activities? Take the first step to getting help by contacting your GP. To get started with this, take a look at ‘Your GP Visit’.

References

1 Rogers, P. A. W., D’Hooghe, T. M., Fazleabas, A., Gargett, C. E., Giudice, L. C., Montgomery, G. W., Rombauts, L., Salamonsen, L. A., & Zondervan, K. T. (2009). Priorities for Endometriosis Research: Recommendations From an International Consensus Workshop. Reproductive Sciences, 16(4), 335–346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719108330568

2 World Health Organization. (2023, March 24). Endometriosis. World Health Organization; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

3 Endometriosis UK. (2022). What is endometriosis? | Endometriosis UK. Www.endometriosis-Uk.org. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/what-endometriosis

4. NHS. (2022, September 5). Endometriosis. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis

5. Endometriosis UK. (n.d.). Symptoms | Endometriosis UK. Www.endometriosis-Uk.org.https://www.endometriosisuk.

org/symptoms

6. NHS Choices. (2019). Overview – Heavy periods. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/

7. Małgorzata Szypłowska, Tarkowski, R., & Krzysztof Kułak. (2023). The impact of endometriosis on depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality of life: a systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1230303

8. Mellado, B. H., Falcone, A. C. M., Poli-Neto, O. B., Rosa e Silva, J. C., Nogueira, A. A., & Candido-dos-Reis, F. J. (2016). Social isolation in women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 133(2), 199–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.08.024

9. Privitera, G., O’Brien, K., Misajon, R., & Lin, C.-Y. (2023). Endometriosis Symptomatology, Dyspareunia, and Sexual Distress Are Related to Avoidance of Sex and Negative Impacts on the Sex Lives of Women with Endometriosis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3362. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043362

10. NHS. (2017, October 20). Endometriosis – Complications. Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/complications