10 endometriosis facts and figures
In this article we will describe 10 endometriosis facts and figures. Let us start with the basics.
1. What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-term disorder in which tissue similar to that which normally lines the inside of the uterus – the endometrium – grows outside the uterus.
Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining of the pelvis. Rarely, endometrial-like tissue may be found outside the pelvis.
2. Who gets endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect women of any age, including teenagers. It affects about 10% of girls and women of reproductive age around the world.
In fact, most women experience symptoms during adolescence first; but, unfortunately, don’t get diagnosed and treated until they are in their 20s or 30s. Endometriosis can start as early as a girl’s first period.
3. What is the cause of endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is not known.
Several theories have been suggested, including:
- Genetics – the condition tends to run in families and affects people of certain ethnic groups more than others
- A problem with the immune system, the body’s natural defence against illness and infection
- Endometrium cells spreading through the body in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a series of tubes and glands that form part of the immune system.
4. What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
It’s a long-term condition associated with a wide range of symptoms including:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression.
Each woman can experience it differently in terms of the range and severity of symptoms she has.
5. How is endometriosis diagnosed?
It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. There is not a single diagnostic test.
A GP will ask about your symptoms and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina.
If they are not sure, they may refer you to a hospital consultant specialist called a gynaecologist for some further tests, such as an ultrasound scan, MRI or laparoscopy.
An ultrasound showing endometriosis
6. Why can there be a delay in the diagnosis?
A lack of awareness of what endometriosis is, combined with a general belief that many of the symptoms are ‘normal’, often results in a long delay between when a woman first experiences symptoms, and when she is diagnosed and begins treatment.
Also endometriosis can be similar to:
- Other conditions that can cause pelvic pain, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes bouts of diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal cramping. IBS can accompany endometriosis, which can complicate the diagnosis.
All of this can lead to diagnostic confusion.
7. Remember severe period pain isn’t normal
Period (menstruation) pain bad enough to interfere with your daily life (e.g. going to school or work, or taking part in day-to-day activities) is not normal. You should seek help from your doctor and ask about what’s causing your pain.
8. What is the treatment for endometriosis?
There’s currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms.
Treatments include:
- Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Hormone medicines and contraceptives, including the combined pill, contraceptive patch, intrauterine system (IUS) and contraceptive implant, and medicines called gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues
- Surgery to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue
- Surgery to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis, such as surgery to remove part of your colon, or your appendix or womb (hysterectomy).
Note. Hormonal treatments temporarily ease symptoms of endometriosis, but only while the medications are being taken. Once you stop taking the medications, symptoms can often return.
Oh and yes. Here are a couple of myths.
9. Endometriosis does not equal infertility
Many young women are given the impression that having endometriosis will mean they will be infertile (unable to conceive a baby). Whilst this may be the case, many women with endometriosis do go on to have children.
10. Pregnancy doesn’t cure endometriosis
Pregnancy, like hormonal drug treatments, may temporarily stop the symptoms of endometriosis, but doesn’t cure it – symptoms usually recur after the birth of the baby.
Summary
We have described 10 endometriosis facts and figures. We hope you understand it better now.
Other resources
Endometriosis UK has a:
Directory of local support groups
Helpline (0808 808 2227)
Webchat.
And an online community on HealthUnlocked for women affected by the condition.
