Endometriosis: The chronic condition that’s more than period pain

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women worldwide and often goes undiagnosed. This observance aims to offer education about the symptoms of endometriosis, the importance of early diagnosis, available treatment options, and the need for more research and support for women living with the condition. ​

If you're experiencing pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, or difficulty getting pregnant, endometriosis could be the cause. Understanding the symptoms and seeking the right care is essential in managing this often-misunderstood condition. Dr. Jeremiah McNamara, OB/GYN at Boulder Women’s Care, is here to guide us through understanding the symptoms and why getting the correct diagnosis matters.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the endometrial lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, pain and potentially leading to fertility issues. Common locations for endometriosis include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other areas like the bladder, rectum and bowel.

Symptoms of endometriosis you shouldn't ignore

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely from person to person, and many women may experience them without realizing they are linked to the condition. According to Dr. McNamara, key symptoms include:

• Painful menstrual cramps: Intense cramps that worsen over time

• Chronic pelvic and lower back pain: Persistent pain that doesn’t go away

• Pain during or after sex: This deep pain differs from discomfort at the entrance of the vagina.

• Painful bowel movements or urination during periods: These issues may indicate endometriosis growths on the bladder or intestines.

• Digestive issues: Symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially around your menstrual cycle

• Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant, which may be linked to endometriosis

Many women with endometriosis also endure heavy bleeding or spotting between periods. Dr. McNamara stresses, “Endometriosis is not just severe cramps. It’s a condition that can severely impact a woman’s quality of life and fertility.” If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms consistently, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of endometriosis.

Watch Pelvic pain? Painful periods? Maybe it’s endometriosis.

Risk factors for endometriosis

You may be at higher risk for endometriosis if you:

• Have a family history of endometriosis (mother, sister or aunt)

• Have never had children

• Experience menstrual periods lasting more than seven days

• Started menstruating before age 11

• Have menstrual cycles that last less than 27 days

• Have a health condition that blocks the normal flow of menstrual blood

How endometriosis affects fertility

Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, affecting approximately 30-50% of women with the condition.

“Many women with endometriosis don’t realize it until they’re trying to get pregnant,” says Dr. McNamara. “It’s important to get an early diagnosis to avoid unnecessary delays in treatment.”

Dr. McNamara notes that adhesions and scarring from endometriosis may distort the ovaries and fallopian tubes, hindering the process of conception.

Diagnosis of endometriosis

Many women suffer for years before receiving a correct diagnosis of endometriosis, often because the symptoms are mistaken for other conditions like severe menstrual cramps or digestive problems. The average delay in diagnosis is about 10 years. To diagnose endometriosis, your doctor may conduct pelvic exams, ultrasounds or a minimally invasive laparoscopy to confirm the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

Treatment options for endometriosis

While there is no cure for endometriosis, the condition can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatment and surgery. Dr. McNamara emphasizes that endometriosis should be treated as a chronic disease, requiring ongoing management to control symptoms.

Lifestyle changes to manage endometriosis

Some lifestyle modifications can help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis:

• Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to support overall health.

• Mindfulness and relaxation: Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress, which can exacerbate inflammation.

• Diet: A low-inflammation diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce symptoms. Avoid inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, sugars, and corn.

• Supplements: Certain supplements may support inflammation control, such as melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin.

Medical treatment for endometriosis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen may be prescribed to alleviate pain. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or other hormone therapies, can reduce the growth of endometrial tissue and prevent the worsening of symptoms. For severe cases, medication for nerve pain may be necessary.

Surgical treatment options

In cases of severe endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure is used both for diagnosis and to remove endometrial tissue. Studies have shown that laparoscopic surgery can provide pain relief for up to 75% of patients, though recurrence of symptoms is common.

Looking for support and care?

If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s important to seek care from a provider who listens to your concerns and understands the challenges of managing this condition. At Boulder Women’s Care, our experienced team of OB/GYN specialists offers compassionate care, using the latest minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery.

Contact Boulder Women’s Care

If you’re struggling with symptoms of endometriosis or need more information on treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeremiah McNamara at Boulder Women’s Care by calling 303-441-0587. We’re here to support you every step of the way.