Endometriosis Explained

Endometriosis, pronounced (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis), is a common (about 10% of people with uteruses), but serious and often painful condition of the reproductive organs, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. For a person who menstruates, during the period (menstruation), the lining of the uterus thickens, and when an egg isn’t fertilized the lining tissue breaks down, and the blood leaves the uterus and exits the body out of the vaginal opening.

When a person has Endometriosis, this tissue, that normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus in the pelvic region. This tissue acts just like regular menstrual tissue; it grows thick, breaks down, and bleeds with the menstrual cycle. However, because this tissue is outside of the uterus, it has no way to leave the body and becomes trapped. This trapped tissue attaches to the outside of organs, like the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, or rectum, and causes scars (scar tissue) that can be very painful.

The main symptom of Endometriosis is dysmenorrhea, which means extremely painful periods. More than just typical cramping, the cramps from Endometriosis can often be felt in the stomach or back in addition to the uterus. Some other symptoms of Endometriosis are; pain when urinating or pooping, heavy bleeding, and diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation during the period. For people that are sexually active, Endometriosis can cause pain during vaginal intercourse. Endometriosis can make it difficult to participate in normal daily activities and also cause infertility for people who want to have children. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, and especially complaining of intense cramps during their period, it is important to have them see a medical provider.

It might be useful to keep a journal in a notebook or on your phone to help your child keep track and remember how they feel during their period for a few months in a row, and track symptoms. This will help them explain what they are experiencing to the medical provider accurately. Sometimes Endometriosis is misdiagnosed as something else, communicating with a medical provider clearly, and telling them all of the symptoms will help them determine if it is Endometriosis, or another condition. This way they can determine the correct treatment that will work best for your child.

Scientists are unsure of the cause of this condition that affects 10% of people with uteruses around the world-that is about 1 in 10 people. If other people in your family have it, your child started their period at a young age (11 or younger), or they have at least 1 of the symptoms, it could be time to talk to a medical provider. The medical provider will give them a pelvic exam and an ultrasound to determine if there is tissue outside of the uterus. Some possible treatments include hormonal birth control, inserting an IUD, or prescribing other hormones to regulate or stop the menstrual cycle. For severe cases of Endometriosis, a doctor may also prescribe medication to manage the pain and/or perform surgery.

Endometriosis can be challenging to manage, which is why early diagnosis and understanding how to manage symptoms at a young age are important. Make sure to talk with your child’s doctor regularly, and if they aren’t listening to your concerns, find a new doctor, or a medical provider that specializes in treating Endometriosis. With proper care, people with Endometriosis can manage their symptoms and continue with their daily life activities in happy and healthy ways.

Conversation Starters

It’s essential that you have conversations about topics like puberty and periods if your child is to know that they can come to you with questions. The easiest way to start these conversations is to talk about issues as they come up in everyday life, like while watching TV together.

Some topics, like Endometriosis, may not come up in regular conversation, but it’s important to bring them up anyway, especially if others in your family have Endometriosis.

Below are some ways to start these conversations: