Endometriosis: 10 Facts You Need to Know
At Endometriosis Surgical Specialists International (ESSI), our commitment to patient-centric care is rooted in education. The more you understand about endometriosis, the more empowered you become on your health journey. Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood disease, but knowledge is the first step toward effective management.
Here are 10 essential facts about endometriosis that everyone should know.
1. It Affects 1 in 10 Women Worldwide. You are not alone. Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women and individuals with a uterus globally during their reproductive years. This makes it as common as diabetes.
2. It’s More Than Just “Killer Cramps.” While severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) is a classic symptom, endometriosis is a whole-body inflammatory disease. It can cause chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, painful bowel movements/urination, fatigue, bloating (“endo belly”), and infertility.
3. The Cause is Still Not Fully Understood. The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown. The leading theory, retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvis), doesn’t explain every case. Genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors are all thought to play a role.
4. The Average Diagnosis Takes 7-10 Years. Tragically, most patients suffer for years before getting a correct diagnosis. This is often due to the normalization of period pain and symptoms overlapping with other conditions. Seeking a specialist is key to shortening this timeline.
5. Stage of Disease Does Not Equal Level of Pain. As we’ve discussed on our blog, the surgical “stage” of endometriosis (Stage I-IV) does not correlate with the severity of symptoms. A person with Stage I can be in debilitating pain, while someone with Stage IV may have few symptoms. Your pain is valid regardless of stage.
6. Laparoscopic Surgery is the Gold Standard for Diagnosis. While symptoms can suggest endometriosis, the only way to definitively diagnose it is through a laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon can see and biopsy the lesions.
7. It Can Grow Almost Anywhere in the Body. Though most commonly found in the pelvis (on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments), endometriosis has been found in nearly every organ system, including the diaphragm, lungs, and, in very rare cases, the brain.
8. Hysterectomy is Not a Guaranteed Cure. Endometriosis is defined by tissue growing outside the uterus. While a hysterectomy can resolve symptoms originating from the uterus itself (like those from co-existing adenomyosis), it does not remove endometriosis lesions elsewhere in the body. Expert excision of these lesions is vital for long-term relief.
9. It is a Leading Cause of Infertility. Approximately 30-50% of women struggling with infertility are found to have endometriosis. The inflammation and scar tissue from the disease can interfere with ovulation and implantation. However, many patients go on to conceive after effective treatment.
10. There is Hope and Effective Treatment. While there is no cure for endometriosis, excision surgery performed by a specialist is the gold standard of treatment. This approach aims to cut out the disease from its roots, rather than just burning the surface. A multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy and lifestyle modifications provides the most comprehensive path to reclaiming your life.
