How Endometriosis Causes Pelvic Pain

As any Vulva Pain Doctor will tell you: “Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition which is characterized by chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and infertility. Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women globally” [1], so to that end, if you have any Endometriosis symptoms, then you should arrange an in-person or online consultation with a Vulva Specialist as soon as possible. Once they have given you can accurate diagnosis, they will prepare a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan that you can get started on right away

Did You Know?

Women with endometriosis have endometrial-type tissue growing outside their uterus [2].

Endometriosis is derived from the word ‘endometrium,’ which refers to the tissue that lines the uterus [2].

Endometriosis can cause inflammation in the pelvic floor. The latter refers to pelvic floor muscles which are found at the base of the pelvis. These muscles work to keep the bladder, uterus, vagina and bowel (pelvic organs) in the correct place [2].

This pelvic floor inflammation can result in pain and muscle spasms in this area. In fact, if a woman’s pelvic floor is affected by endometriosis, it can feel as though they have a muscle spasm in their pelvis. – This is especially so. post-intercourse [2].

Every woman’s endometriosis experience is different. Some sufferers may experience a few symptoms, others many symptoms, and others no symptoms. Moreover, feeling severe pain or other symptoms does not necessarily equate to more severe endometriosis [2].

A Brief Overview of Endometriosis

Women who suffer from endometriosis are more likely to be infertile, or have difficulty becoming pregnant. This can be extremely distressing for the patient, so the smart advice is to seek treatment with a Vulva Doctor as soon as possible. Unlike GPs, Vulva Specialists have undergone years of additional training and hospital experience. Moreover, they always approach such issues with the utmost sensitivity and care.

Vulva Doctors regularly discuss common endometriosis symptoms with new patients – many of whom are surprised with what they hear. – This is due to a severe lack of information in the public space.

Common Symptoms to Look Out For & Report to Your Vulva Consultant

• Pain in the pelvis
• Infertility
• Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse
• Suffering from excessive menstrual cramps that may extend into the abdomen or lower back
• Being subject to heavy menstrual flow
• Having abnormal menstrual flow
• Constipation or diarrhoea at the time of a menstrual period
• Fatigue
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Pain with bowel movements or passing water at the time of a menstrual period
• Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods [2]

Period pain is by far the most common form of pelvic pain which women experience. Moreover, “cramps are never pleasant, but for women with endometriosis, they are unbearable” [2]

Watch Out For Potential Causes of Endometriosis

These include:
• Blood or lymph system transportation: Endometrial tissues can be transported to various regions of the body via the blood or lymphatic system
• Direct transplantation: Endometrial cells could attach to the walls of the abdomen or other areas of the body post-surgery (e.g., after a hysterectomy)
• Genetics: Research indicates that endometriosis seems to impact some families more often than others, so there could be a genetic link to this condition
• Reverse Menstruation: During the time of a woman’s period, endometrial tissue can enter the fallopian tubes and the abdomen, as opposed to correctly exiting the body
• Transformation: Other body cells could transform into endometrial cells, and thus start growing outside the endometrium [2]

References