Aug 11 2008
The Pain of Endometriosis
The pain of endometriosis can be very debilitating, impacting lifestyles drastically. In advanced stages of endometriosis, scar tissue and adhesions may develop, distorting internal anatomy, making organs mingle together causing a condition referred to as frozen pelvis. Pain from endometriosis occurs before, during or after menstruation. This pain is felt in the pelvis, lower back, in the bowel, while urinating, and during sex. Other symptoms are diarrhea or constipation, bloating, heavy or irregular bleeding and fatigue.
The cause of endometriosis is unknown, although there are several theories. One suggests that the endometrial cells which are loosened during menstruation, “back up” into the fallopian tubes and to the pelvis, implanting and growing in the pelvic or abdominal cavities. (Retrograde-menstruation). Some other theories include problems with the immune system and a hereditary factors.