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When Life Is a Pain

The Facts on Endometriosis

By Carma Haley

Hundreds of women can relate to Hector's tale, as their stories contain similar situations when dealing with the pain of endometriosis. But what causes the pain and why is it so extreme?

According to Dr. Michael, the cycles of discomfort and pain felt with endometriosis are directly related to a woman's menses. "The pain of endometriosis is called cheamenil – meaning monthly or correlating with the monthly menses," says Dr. Michael. "It can come a few days before the menses begins and can last a few days or a week or two into the cycle.

Just like the uterus is going to bleed monthly to rid the body of the tissue used in the event of conception, the endometrial tissue outside the uterus is going to bleed monthly as well, causing pressure and pain in the abdomen or where the tissue is located. A woman with endometriosis basically has two menses cycles – one within the uterus and one outside."

Unlike other conditions or illnesses, the signs and symptoms of endometriosis are not black and white. As many of the signs and symptoms of endometriosis also could be indications for other ailments, the time or occurrence of the events becomes important.

"The signs and symptoms of endometriosis are not easily determined," says Dr. Michael. "However, the resence of painful intercourse, painful menses, chronic pelvic pain, back pain, painful bowel movements and, if advanced enough, kidney or bladder pain where there was not before, offers a good indication for endometriosis. It is most suggestive if it begins after years of someone having no pain in these areas or [corresponding with these] events. The pain can be cyclical or constant, but if evidence shows it to be more intense in cycles and occurs after years of 'normal' activity, then endometriosis should be suspected."

Want to see more?

• Safeguard Your Fertility: 6 Simple Steps
• Making Sense of PCOS: Answers to Common Questions
• The Painful Truth: Living With Endometriosis
• Talk about it!