Endometriosis is a chronic disease defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissues outside the uterine cavity. These lesions can be found pretty much everywhere in the body, with pelvis being the most common site. At global level endometriosis affects 10% of the female population. However, it is not a disease that affects solely women. It has been found in men and animals as well.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease with an unknown case so far. Medically, endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. These lesions can be superficial or deep and can affect various organs and areas from the pelvic cavity, abdominal and thoracic cavity and other areas. In the pelvis endometriosis can affect the ligaments, pouch of Douglas, intestine, nerves, ovaries, tubes, etc. Outside the pelvic cavity, endometriosis can be found on the diaphragm and lungs.
Endometriosis symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms can be multiple and at the same time can be different in each patient. Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Also, the pain can be throughout the whole month or around menstruation and/or ovulation.
Based on the area or the organ affected, the main symptoms of endometriosis can be divided into
Dysmenorrhea – also known as painful periods.
Dyspareunia- also known as painful intercourse.
Dyschezia- also known as painful defecation.
Dysuria- also known as painful urination.
Patients can also experience:
- Pain that radiates down the leg
- Lower back pain
- Bloating and fatigue
- Pain before, during and after ovulation
- Heavy bleeding
- Constipation and/or diarrhoea
- Infertility
Is endometriosis always symptomatic?
No. Endometriosis can also be asymptomatic. There are patients that are diagnosed with endometriosis during a routine check-up for fertility.
Cope Clinics is an endometriosis advanced centre based at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. Our team is led by Dr Vimee Bindra, a renowned endometriosis specialist, certified by the SRC as master in endometriosis surgery.
