Endometriosis Isn’t “Just Period Pain”

If you’re struggling with severe period pain, fatigue, bloating, or fertility issues—there’s a chance it’s not “normal.” It could be endometriosis.

So, What Really is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue that behaves like the lining of your uterus starts growing in places outside of your uterus—like your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even on your bladder or bowel.

This tissue bleeds just like the uterine lining during your period, but since it has nowhere to go, it leads to inflammation, scarring, and severe pain.

Where Can Endometriosis Grow?

Endometriosis will most commonly have an effect on your pelvic area:

  • Ovaries
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Outside of the uterus
  • The pelvic lining
  • Rectum or ureters (can even impact kidney function)

In some rare cases, it can reach as far as the lungs—or even the brain.

The 4 Stages of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is medically classified into four stages:

  • Minimal – Small, shallow lesions, little to no scarring
  • Mild – More lesions and light scar tissue
  • Moderate – Deep lesions and cysts on the ovaries
  • Severe – Widespread lesions and thick scarring across organs

But remember that stage doesn’t equal pain. Even stage 1 can cause severe symptoms.

What Causes It?

We don’t still know the exact cause for why endometriosis happens, but there are a few theories and possible explanations:

  • Retrograde menstruation – When period blood flows backward into the pelvis
  • Hormonal changes – Turning ordinary cells into endometrial-like ones
  • Surgical scars – Past surgeries like C-sections may leave behind cells that grow abnormally
  • Immune dysfunction – The body may fail to clear these abnormal cells

Are you at Risk?

You may be more likely to develop endometriosis if:

  • Your mother or sister has it
  • You started your periods before age 11
  • You have short cycles and heavy, long periods
  • You’ve never had a baby

Can Endometriosis Make you Infertile?

Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. So yes, it can impact conception, here’s how:

  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Egg quality decline due to ovarian cysts (endometriomas)
  • Hormonal imbalances and inflammation interfering with embryo implantation
  • Painful intercourse
  • Adenomyosis (when endometriosis affects the uterine muscle wall)

Related Conditions

Endometriosis often co-exists with other health concerns like:

  • Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or MS)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome

What Are the Symptoms?

Every woman’s experience is different, but common signs include:

  • Severe cramps that don’t respond to regular painkillers
  • Pelvic pain that lasts beyond your period
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain when passing urine or stools (especially during periods)
  • Nausea, bloating, constipation
  • Fatigue, mood swings

Some women don’t even realise they have it until they try to have a baby.

How Do We Diagnose It?

Diagnosis starts with a thorough investigation, including:

  • Detailed medical history and physical examination
  • Ultrasound or MRI by a specialist trained to detect endometriosis
  • Laparoscopy: A minor surgery using tiny incisions to look inside your abdomen. This is the gold standard—it helps confirm the diagnosis and treat the condition in the same sitting.

What Are the Treatment Options?

It’s different for everyone. Your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are, your fertility goals, and your personal comfort.

Non-Surgical Options:

  • Pain relief meds: For mild cases
  • Hormonal therapies: Contraceptive pills or hormonal IUDs to suppress the growth
  • GnRH therapy: Reduces estrogen, shrinking lesions (not suitable if you’re trying to conceive)
  • Lifestyle changes: Anti-inflammatory diets, stress reduction, and regular exercise can help too

Surgical Options:

  • Laparoscopic excision surgery: Removes the endometriosis with precision—especially helpful in infertility cases
  • Hysterectomy: A last resort for severe, unresponsive cases

You don’t have to live with unexplained pain or infertility anymore, thanks to modern medicine.

If you suspect you have endometriosis—or you’re already diagnosed but unsure what to do next—speak to a trained endometriosis specialist.