Understanding Endometriosis: What It Is and Its Symptoms

By Daniel Kort, MD

Endometriosis can be extremely painful, and it’s more common than most people realize. Approximately one in 10 women have endometriosis. It effects women between 15 to 44 years old, but much common among women in their 30s and 40s. It currently effects of 176 million women worldwide and is the leading cause of infertility.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful disorder that is caused by the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, grows outside of your uterus. It can develop anywhere in the body, but it commonly occurs in the pelvic area, such as:

• The ovaries
• The fallopian tubes
• The exterior of the uterus

Normally, the uterine lining is expelled during menstruation. With endometriosis, the tissue breaks down and has no means of being expelled from the body. It causes painful adhesions, or scar tissue.

Endometriosis Symptoms

The primary symptom for endometriosis is pelvic pain. Although some women experience cramping during their menstrual period, some have reported that the menstrual pain that’s far worse than usual.

Common endometriosis symptoms include:

• Pain – this includes severe menstrual pain, pain during intercourse, pain with bowel movement or urination, severe menstrual cramps, lower backache
• Infertility
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

If you are diagnosed with endometriosis and have trouble conceiving, please speak with your physician to see if fertility treatments are right for you. Every woman is unique and challenges surrounding conceiving could be related to something entirely different. It’s always best to discuss all possibilities with your physician. Contact Neway Fertility to schedule your first appointment with us.