How to Recognize Endometriosis and Take Action

Maggi Forgue, DO, is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and cares for patients at Trinity Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology – Cherry and Trinity Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology – East Paris.

Q: What is endometriosis, and what are its symptoms?

Dr. Forgue: Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus in different areas of the abdomen. The lining thickens and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, leading to pain and discomfort. Cysts, lesions, and abscesses can form because of this tissue in the abdomen.

Symptoms vary for each person, ranging from pain during menstrual cycles to daily pain or no symptoms at all. Endometriosis symptoms can be new or something individuals have experienced throughout their lives.

Q: How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Dr. Forgue: The only accurate diagnosis is done surgically through a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure). Laparoscopic surgery allows your doctor to determine the location, extent, and size of endometriosis growth. Pelvic exams and ultrasounds are often associated with endometriosis care, but these only tell providers if a cyst has formed (not the leading cause).

Q: Is endometriosis a common condition?

Dr. Forgue: Endometriosis is common, with an estimated 2 to 10% of American women aged between 25 and 40 experiencing symptoms. It’s more prevalent in individuals aged from mid-20s to 30s, but women of all ages may experience endometriosis symptoms.

Q: What causes endometriosis? Can it be prevented?

Dr. Forgue: There isn’t a known cause of endometriosis. No diet, lifestyle, or medication has led to the condition.

Similarly, there aren’t preventative measures for endometriosis. Early identification is the best prevention. By having a diagnosis, we can try to control the disease through fewer periods, meaning fewer opportunities for abscesses in the abdomen. We want individuals living with endometriosis to lead symptom-free lives and prevent any pain we can.

Q: Can endometriosis be cured?

Dr. Forgue: The definitive cure for endometriosis is a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and any remaining uterine lining or cysts in the abdomen. While this is the only cure, there are other medical options for acute onset pain and long-term control, such as birth control methods (hormone progestin injection, intrauterine devices, birth control pills) or surgical treatment for the removal of cysts.

Q: Does endometriosis always cause infertility?

Dr. Forgue: No. Between 30 to 50% of women with the condition may experience infertility due to changes in their hormonal environment, scar tissue, inflammation, and other factors.

Endometriosis has four different stages, and infertility is more common in stages three and four. However, if individuals become aware of endometriosis in stages one or two, we can take proactive measures to combat the future development of fertility issues.

Q: How does endometriosis affect daily life?

Dr. Forgue: Endometriosis affects every individual differently. Primarily, those with endometriosis experience pain and discomfort. Daily pain significantly impacts the quality of life.

It’s important to note that pain doesn’t correlate with the stages of endometriosis. Someone with stage one endometriosis may experience more pain throughout their menstrual cycle than someone with stage four endometriosis.

Q: What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

Dr. Forgue: Mitigating pain is the main treatment focus for individuals. We want to decrease the number of periods per year as there will be fewer chances for abscesses to form in the abdomen.

The typical first step is to prescribe birth control pills to take continuously for period regularity and pain relief.

For long-term pain control, individuals can have surgery to remove lesions and uterine lining from the abdomen in addition to utilizing birth control methods for pain tolerance and prevention (hormone progestin injection, intrauterine devices, or birth control pills).

Q: Are there support groups for people with endometriosis?

Dr. Forgue: There are a multitude of resources for people with endometriosis. To find the right support group for you or a loved one, visit Speak Endo or The Endo Co.

Q: What should an individual do if they think they might have endometriosis?

Dr. Forgue: Other conditions may present as endometriosis, such as abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These other factors don’t make you more likely to have endometriosis, but they could cause you to visit your physician sooner.

If you think you may have endometriosis, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist.