Know the facts about endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common and often painful condition affecting 1 in 8 women worldwide which occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus called the endometrium is found outside of the uterus.
It can affect the surface of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Endometriosis deposits are also rarely found in other areas of the abdomen and uterus. These cells can alter the environment of the pelvis and reproductive tract causing a range of issues including pain, bowel and bladder changes, heavy periods and fertility issues.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
A certain amount of discomfort with periods may be normal; however, pain that stops you from living your everyday life or impacting your sport is not normal.
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary from mild to severe, depending on where the stray endometrial tissue is located. The most common symptom is chronic pelvic pain, especially before and during your menstrual period. Other commonly reported symptoms include:
- Severe period pain – immediately before and during a period
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain outside of menstruation
- Abdominal pain at the time of ovulation
- Painful bowel movements or urination
- Excessive menstrual bleeding, with or without clots
- Irregular bleeding, with or without a regular cycle
- Premenstrual spotting
- Difficulty when trying to conceive
Please note, although pain is one of the most common symptoms, it is not a good indicator of the extent of the condition and should be investigated further. Some women may have no symptoms.
What causes endometriosis?
Unfortunately, despite its prevalence, the cause is not yet clear.
While there are many theories regarding the cause of endometriosis, the leading theory is that the condition is caused by “retrograde menstruation”. This theory suggests that the backward flow of menstrual bleeding through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis might be the cause of endometrial cells to implant on abdominal organs.
Some researchers also suggest there may be a genetic component. This has been supported by a 2013 study from the National Institute of Health which found that women who have a first-degree relative affected by the disease have a seven-times-higher risk of developing it than women who do not have a family history of the condition*.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Although the condition can be suspected on ultrasound or MRI, the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a long, thin telescope (laparoscope) into the abdomen through an incision near the navel. This allows the surgeon to look for signs of endometriosis and may take tissue samples for testing, as well as remove any endometriosis deposits if required.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to visit your general practitioner (GP) and seek a referral to a specialist gynaecologist for an accurate diagnosis.
How can endometriosis be treated?
Endometriosis can be treated in several ways, depending upon the severity of the condition and your individual circumstances and goals. The treatment options include:
- Medical Management
Hormone therapies may be utilised as a treatment in mild endometriosis or used as an added or combined therapy before or after surgery, especially in severe cases. The aim of hormonal therapies is to suppress the growth of endometrial cells which can lead to a reduction in pain symptoms. This treatment is not suitable for those trying to conceive. Hormone therapies include progestogens, the oral contraceptive pill, GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) agonists, and androgenic steroids (e.g., Danazol).
- Surgical management
Procedures such as a laparoscopy can surgically remove endometrial implants or adhesions (scarring) caused by the condition. Unlike medical management, this treatment may improve your fertility.
- Treatment of infertility
For women with mild endometriosis, the use of fertility medication that stimulates ovulation combined with Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI), enhances fertility. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures may also be effective at improving your chances of conceiving. The decision when to apply IVF in endometriosis-associated infertility takes into account the age of the patient, severity of the endometriosis, the presence of other infertility factors, and the results and duration of past treatments. If this is a treatment option you are interested in we recommend making an appointment with a fertility specialist as they will assess your individual needs and circumstances to form a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
For more information on your fertility options, visit our fertility section:
When should I seek medical advice about endometriosis?
If you have concerns about endometriosis impacting your life and athletic performance, we encourage you to get in touch with us. We have a network of specialised General Practitioners, gynaecologists and fertility specialists across Australia who will be more than happy to speak with you and discuss your individual circumstances.
With over 50 dedicated specialists across 70 consulting locations throughout the country, our friendly staff can help you choose the right medical professional to guide you and help you achieve your sporting goals. Contact us now.
Additional resources
- Endometriosis: What you need to know
- Endometriosis Q&A by Dr Lisa Harris, Brisbane fertility specialist
- Is there a link between endometriosis and fertility? by Professor Bill Ledger, Sydney fertility specialist
