Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, usually affecting other pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue lining the pelvis. Endometriosis growths are rarely found outside of the pelvic area. Endometriosis tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each menstrual cycle, similar to how the lining inside the uterus works. However, it grows in places where it shouldn’t, and it stays there, making it often painful. When it grows in the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. As a result, surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form, which can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research [MFMER], 2024). Most women with endometriosis are diagnosed between their 20s and 30s, and it is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 females worldwide ("Endometriosis", 2024). Yet, it is severely overlooked and underresearched, and it is frequently diagnosed as other conditions. That’s why it is crucial to educate ourselves as teens—and, therefore, the foundation of our future—on this condition.

While many people with endometriosis may experience a wide range of symptoms, many may not experience any at all (MFMER, 2024). There is no connection between your symptoms and severity of the condition. In other words, some people may have very little patches of endometriosis and still experience severe pain and vice versa ("Endometriosis", 2024). 

Common symptoms include pelvic pain and cramping during periods (dysmenorrhea); lower back and stomach pain; pain during or after sex; pain with bowel movements or urination; heavy periods or bleeding between periods; infertility; and fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea (MFMER, 2024).

The cause of endometriosis is unclear. As research continues to be done to determine the causes, some research has identified some possible causes of endometriosis. Retrograde menstruation is the most likely cause of endometriosis. This is when menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. The blood contains endometrial cells from the uterine lining that can stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs. Consequently, they might continue to grow and bleed every menstrual cycle. 

Hormones or immune factors might help transform cells that line the inner side of the abdomen, called peritoneal cells, into cells similar to those that line inside of the uterus. Hormones like estrogen may also transform embryonic cells, or cells in the earliest stages of development, into endometrial-like cell growths during puberty.

Endometrial cells may even attach to scar tissue from a cut made during surgery in the stomach area, like a C-section. Moreover, blood vessels or the tissue fluid system may move endometrial cells to other parts of the body.

Research has also identified immune system issues as a potential cause for endometriosis. Complications with your immune system may make your body unable to recognize and destroy endometriosis tissue (MFMER, 2024). Research shows that people with endometriosis have had higher rates of other conditions regarding immune system dysfunction, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease ("Endometriosis", 2025).

You may have a higher risk of getting endometriosis if you never gave birth, started your period at an early age, went through menopause at an older age, have short menstrual cycles (e.g. less than 27 days), have more estrogen in your body or more lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces, have a low body mass index, or have one or more relatives with endometriosis (MFMER, 2024)

Endometriosis can affect your physical health in many aspects. It is one of the leading causes of infertility as endometriosis tissue can interfere with how a sperm and egg cell move to meet each other at conception. Many women with endometriosis also report chronic pain. Furthermore, if the tissue grows on or near your intestines, rectum, or bladder, you could see blood in your urine or feces or experience intense pain when urinating or pooping. Although rare, endometriosis can also affect your lungs or diaphragm, which can cause shortness of breath or chest pain ("Endometriosis", 2024).

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can alleviate the pain. 

Hormonal therapies are also a good treatment option as they can help with pain and suppress your menstrual cycle. Birth control, for example, lessens the intensity and pain of periods. Another hormone therapy is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists or agonists, which are medications that stop the hormones that cause periods to alleviate the pain. 

Surgery can also treat endometriosis—as well as the pain and sometimes even the infertility that comes with it—by removing the endometriosis tissue. However, surgery has risks, and it’s important to inquire with your healthcare provider. Laparoscopic surgery involves making a small cut in your abdomen and inserting a laparoscope, a thin tube-like tool that can identify endometriosis via a camera, into your body to remove the endometriosis tissue. A hysterectomy is done in severe cases, where the uterus and ovaries get removed. Whatever you choose, it is important to consult your doctor to get all of the information you need before proceeding.

While you cannot directly prevent endometriosis, you can reduce your risk for developing it by lowering the levels of estrogen in your body by taking birth control, exercising regularly, avoiding large amounts of alcohol, and avoiding large amounts of caffeine (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2025). Statistics show that endometriosis is less common in women who have been pregnant multiple times and breastfeed ("Endometriosis", 2024).

The first step to an endometriosis diagnosis is examining your health history. Menstrual health histories with pain, heavy bleeding, and associated symptoms can help diagnose it. Laparoscopic surgery is also used to visualize endometriosis tissue or examine tissue samples, but these procedures can be inaccessible to some women. A clinical diagnosis of endometriosis can be made based on her symptoms and imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI ("Endometriosis", 2025). Pelvic exams can be conducted where your doctor will feel for large cysts or scars behind your uterus, though smaller areas of endometriosis may be harder to feel (HHS, 2025).

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects many women both physically and emotionally, affecting aspects like fertility, sexual health, mental health, and physical health. Those with endometriosis may face extreme pain, social isolation, depression, and anxiety. These effects are exacerbated by the stigma surrounding periods and societal norms that minimize period pain ("Endometriosis", 2025). The good news is that there is treatment available, and women can still get pregnant if they have endometriosis, but it may be more difficult (HHS, 2025). It’s important for women of all ages to educate themselves on endometriosis. Additionally, more research should be done to fully understand endometriosis and properly diagnose patients with the condition

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Works Cited:

Endometriosis. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, September 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10857-endometriosis

Endometriosis. World Health Organization. (2025, October 15). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, August 30). Endometriosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2025, October 24). Endometriosis. Office on Women’s Health (OASH). https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis