Endometriosis: A Common and Painful Pelvic Condition   

Most women have experienced abdominal cramps, lower back pain, and heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle. This type of discomfort is temporary, and relief often is found through over-the-counter medicines and other remedies. However, there is a different level of reproductive pain causing 10-15% of American women to suffer unnecessarily.  

Endometriosis is a common and chronic disease, where cells that usually line the uterus begin to grow outside of it. Hormonal changes affect the endometrial tissue, causing the area to become inflamed and painful.    

Symptoms can range in severity from mild to intense but are often most severe before and during a woman’s period. Common signs include:    

• Very painful periods.  
• Heavy periods or bleeding between periods.  
• Severe menstrual cramps.  
• Pain between periods.  
• Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis.  
• Rectal pain.  
• Pain during or after sex.  
• Vaginal bleeding after sex.  
• Blood in the urine or stool.  
• Infertility.   

“There is no one obvious cause for endometriosis.  There are multiple theories that include retrograde menstruation, hematogenous or lymphatic spread, coelmic metaplasia or cells turning into endometriosis, and development from stem cells. Genetics also are known to play a role, especially if a first degree relative was diagnosed,” says Andrea Benton, MD, UPMC Magee-Womens Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.     

It is important to discuss your symptoms with a provider familiar with endometriosis.  According to Dr. Benton, one of the biggest frustrations for patients, aside from pain, is receiving a normal test result and feeling as though they are not taken seriously.   

“Endometriosis doesn’t routinely show up in exams or scans, but we know their pain is real. Surgery is often how endometriosis is confirmed. Depending upon the severity of pain and stage, surgical procedures such excision or ablation are options.”  

Should a woman not elect surgery, there are many treatments to help manage symptoms. Hormonal therapies, lifestyle changes, pain medications such as NSAIDS, and pelvic floor therapy may provide relief and improve their overall quality of life.   

For more information about endometriosis and where to find the best treatment option, visit upmc.com/CentralPaEndometriosis.