What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the term used to describe a reproductive health condition where cells very similar to those found in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere within the body. This can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms which can impact the day-to-day life of those affected.

Keep reading to learn more about this condition.

Understanding endometriosis

As mentioned above, endometriosis causes cells which are comparable to those in the uterus to appear elsewhere in the body. In many cases, these cells form on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, close to the uterus within the abdominal cavity. Problems arise during the period stage of the menstrual cycle, when natural hormonal changes cause the lining of the womb to thicken in anticipation of a fertilised egg.

In those with endometriosis, those other womb-like cells elsewhere in the body also build up and break down in tandem with your period. However, the blood from cells not found in the uterus has nowhere to go and is trapped in your body. This can trigger pain (period pain or pain throughout the menstrual cycle) the formation of scar tissue and inflammation.

Some common symptoms of Endometriosis are:

Difficulty fulfilling social or work commitments
Isolation and/or depression
Fatigue or a lack of energy
Struggles with conceiving
Chronic pain
Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain ) – usually worse during your period
Pain during or after sex
Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period

You may also have heavy periods . You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes. For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression.

Endometriosis is a long term condition that can affect people for many years - some even from puberty all the way through to menopause and potentially beyond. However, once the condition has been diagnosed there are endometriosis treatments that can help with the managing of symptoms to allow those affected to go about their everyday life more easily.

Is endometriosis a disability?

In the UK, disability benefits like Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are based on case-by-case evaluations to determine the extent of the impact a given condition has on your life. Because of this, it’s not the case that every person who has endometriosis is classed as disabled. However, some people with severe symptoms do qualify for PIP and meet the legal definition of disabled as set out in the Equality Act of 2010.

While this is good to be aware of, it’s worth knowing that not everyone with endometriosis has the same variety and severity of symptoms. Many individuals find they are able to manage the condition sufficiently without the need for PIP or workplace accommodations. As with any potentially disabling condition, the support is there for you if you need it, but it’s not compulsory to take it. If you are experiencing any symptoms of endometriosis, we recommend you speak to your GP.

Is endometriosis genetic?

Although more and more research is being done on endometriosis all the time, there is currently no definite known cause for the condition. However, there are a number of theories, of which genetics is one. It’s been noted that endometriosis seems to run in families, which suggests that the condition may be in some way hereditary.

Other theories suggest that endometriosis may be linked to an issue with the immune system, which is the system within your body that protects you against infections and illnesses. It’s also been put forward that it may have something to do with endometrial cells (cells from the lining of the womb) travelling through the body either through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, which is a system of tubes and glands that makes up a component of the immune system.

At present, these theories are just that - theories. None of them are currently accepted as a sole cause of endometriosis because none of them fully explain the condition, and researchers think it might in fact be caused by a combination of various factors.

Unfortunately, not knowing for certain what causes endometriosis means we also don’t know how or if it can be prevented. If you think you might be at risk of having endometriosis - for example, if your close family members have it - then you may find it helpful to speak to a pharmacist or GP about the condition to learn more about it.

How many women have endometriosis?

Across the UK, it’s estimated that endometriosis affects around 1.5 million people assigned female at birth (AFAB), or roughly 1 in 10 AFAB people of a reproductive age worldwide. Although it’s a condition that primarily affects AFAB folk, there have also been a small number of documented cases of endometriosis in people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

Whether you’re cisgender, transgender or nonbinary, one thing that’s clear is that you are not alone in having endometriosis. In fact, in the UK, it’s considered one of the most common gynaecological conditions, second only to fibroids. As awareness grows of this common condition, research is improving to help us understand more about endometriosis, its causes and its symptoms . If you think you might have endometriosis, you should consult your GP and explain your concerns.

Sources

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/what-endometriosis
https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/41968/pdf/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-facts-and-figures
Rei, Christina et al. “Endometriosis in a Man as a Rare Source of Abdominal Pain: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.” Case reports in obstetrics and gynecology vol. 2018 2083121. 31 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/2083121 Accessed at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5833878/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/