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March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is thought to affect more than 11% of American women between ages 15 and 44. Learn more about this painful condition, its symptoms, possible causes and treatments.
Endometriosis (pronounced as "en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sus") is a condition where the tissue lining your uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus.
This tissue (called the endometrium) spreads and forms clumps on other organs nearby. These clumps are sometimes called “implants.” They can grow on:
- Your ovaries
- Your fallopian tubes
- The outside wall of your uterus
- Your intestines
- Other organs in your belly
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pain and cramping
- More bleeding than normal during your period
- Bleeding from your vagina when it’s not your period
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Painful sex
Endometriosis can cause pain in your:
- Lower belly
- Rectum
- Vagina
- Lower back
Endometriosis isn’t dangerous, but it can cause other problems. Even though the tissue grows outside your uterus, it still acts how it would inside your uterus. It sheds and bleeds each month during your period. But it can’t exit through your vagina each month like it normally would. This can cause painful cramps. If there’s a buildup of implants outside your uterus, it can affect other organs. It may create scar tissue or bind organs together. Anyone who menstruates (gets their period) can get endometriosis. Some things can increase or lower your risk. You may have higher risk of endometriosis if:
- A close family member has or had endometriosis
- Your period started before age 11
- Your monthly cycle is shorter than 27 days
- Your period is heavy and lasts more than 7 days
You may have a lower risk if you:
- Have been pregnant
- Started getting your period at an older age
- Breastfeed your babies
Experts aren't sure what causes endometriosis. Problems with your reproductive organs could be a cause.
For information about endometriosis, visit here.
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