Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms

• Severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain while passing urine or stool during periods
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• Chronic lower back or abdominal pain
• Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
• Nausea, bloating, or fatigue

Major Causes

• Retrograde menstruation causing endometrial cells to implant outside the uterus
• Genetic or family history of endometriosis
• Hormonal imbalance involving high estrogen levels
• Immune system dysfunction allowing misplaced tissue to grow
• History of pelvic surgery leading to adhesions
• Inflammatory conditions affecting pelvic organs

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Treatments

Treatment aims to relieve pain, slow disease progression, and improve fertility wherever needed.

• Pain relief medications such as NSAIDs
• Hormonal therapies to suppress endometrial tissue growth (oral contraceptives, progestins, GnRH agonists)
• Hormone-regulating injections for severe cases
• Fertility treatments including ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF when pregnancy is difficult
• Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis lesions and adhesions
• Lifestyle modifications such as diet changes, stress management, and regular exercise
• Physiotherapy for pelvic floor relaxation and pain relief
• Ongoing monitoring and long-term management plans for chronic symptoms

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Prevention

While endometriosis cannot always be prevented, early care and healthy habits can reduce severity and improve comfort.

• Regular gynecological check-ups to identify symptoms early
• Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet
• Managing stress through yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques
• Tracking menstrual symptoms to detect abnormalities early
• Avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine which may worsen symptoms
• Seeking timely treatment for pelvic infections or menstrual issues