What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a systemic, chronic, inflammatory condition that can affect up to 10% of all women.

Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial (womb lining) like tissue found outside of the uterus. Most common it is found within the abdomen and as a result irritates the bowel, bladder, uterus and other organs, ligaments and nerves to cause inflammation and pain. The pain can occur at any point throughout the cycle, but most commonly around ovulation, before and during menstruation. 

It is a condition that has a spectrum of presentations and symptoms. There are subtypes and research is still attempting to identify if there is one unifying cause.

The irritation and inflammation that occurs due to the presence of the endometriosis can cause adhesions and affect the normal function of the organs that reside within our abdomen and therefore can present with a wide range of symptoms related to bowel, bladder, intercourse, ovarian cysts and fertility.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of this condition appears to be on the rise. Awareness is now also increasing and where once women were advised that painful periods are normal, or women were labelled as having ‘functional pelvic pain’ or IBS, this understanding is helping to identify endometriosis more.

Conventionally women will need a laparoscopy or MRI for a diagnosis.They are then treated with surgery and commonly with contraceptive methods to try and suppress the response of the endometriosis lesions, holding the condition and symptoms at bay.