What is Endometriosis?
- Alexa Nikolai
- Dec 24, 2025
- 2 min read
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the tissue of the uterine lining grows in other parts of the body. Just like the tissue of the uterine lining, this misplaced tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds over the course of the menstrual cycle. Usually these endometriotic lesions (clusters of tissue) are confined to the pelvic region, such as behind the uterus, around the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or on the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and pelvis). However, sometimes this tissue will grow further afield, such as in the rectum, bladder, intestines, diaphragm, vagina, or lungs. Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women and can lead to disruptive pelvic pain and infertility.
What causes endometriosis?
Although there are some theories, there is no known cause of endometriosis. The condition likely has a genetic component, though, so if your family has a history of endometriosis, you may have a higher risk of developing the condition.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. Some people may experience very intense pain, while others may feel only mild pain. This pain usually intensifies just before or during your period due to hormone-related inflammation. Other symptoms include intense menstrual cramps, abdominal or back pain, heavy bleeding during periods, spotting between periods, pain during sex, pain when going to the bathroom, gastrointestinal problems, or infertility.
The range and intensity of symptoms depends on the individual. Some people with endometriosis may experience very few or no symptoms while others may have severe symptoms that hinder their daily life.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
To diagnose endometriosis, a doctor may start with a pelvic exam or imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI. However, the surest way to identify endometriosis is using a laparoscope (a small tube with a camera on the end) to visualize inside the pelvis and then to remove and test a sample of tissue.
Endometriosis is most often diagnosed in someone’s twenties or thirties.
How is endometriosis treated?
The symptoms of endometriosis are most often treated with medication. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen can help with pain. Hormonal therapies, such as birth control, can suppress the menstrual cycle, leading to lighter periods and less pain.
Treatment for severe pain or infertility is typically surgical. Depending on the locations of the endometriotic lesions, surgeons may be able to remove the problematic tissue.
How does endometriosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis most commonly leads to infertility by blocking the passage of the egg to the fallopian tubes. Endometriotic lesions may irritate surrounding tissues, causing scarring. This scarring or the lesions themselves may block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the sperm. However, depending on the severity of the condition and with the proper treatment, it is still possible for people with endometriosis to get pregnant.
Summary
Although endometriosis is fairly common and can cause severe side effects, with the proper treatment, the condition can be managed and have minimal affect on daily functioning. Especially if you have a family history of endometriosis, consider consulting your doctor, if you notice symptoms of endometriosis.
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