Endometriosis
Most women consider menstrual cramps a normal part of life that can be managed with ibuprofen or a heating pad. But some women suffer from debilitating menstrual pains that may be related to a condition called endometriosis.
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What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a benign condition in which the cells that normally line the uterus grow throughout the pelvis. This abnormal growth can cause chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, and interfere with fertility.
It is estimated that endometriosis affects between 10% and 15% of women of childbearing age and is the third leading cause of female infertility. Because it is determined by hormones, endometriosis occurs mainly in women between the ages of 18 and 45.
What Are Symptoms of Endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain: when you menstruate, during or after sexual intercourse, when you have a bowel movement or urinate. Endometriosis is often left undiagnosed because it is a symptom of other diseases and disorders, including pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ovarian cysts.
The exact cause of endometriosis is not yet clear. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is through surgery, usually laparoscopic, with tissue biopsy.
How Do You Treat Endometriosis?
Treatment for endometriosis varies based on the severity of symptoms and the needs of the patient. The main options include:
- Pain management – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.
- Hormone therapy – Oral contraceptives or medications that reduce estrogen production, to limit the growth of endometrial tissue.
- Minimally invasive surgery – In more severe cases, laparoscopic surgery may be indicated to remove abnormal endometrial tissue and reduce the hormonal imbalance associated with the disease.
Treating endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach. At UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital, patients can rely on a specialized team of gynecologists and physical therapists who are experts in pelvic floor disorders, for a personalized treatment plan aimed at women's well-being.
Reviewed March 2025.