If your period cramps suddenly feel intense or the menstrual blood feels heavier than usual, you might be experiencing endometriosis, which is a condition that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and even fertility.
So, the question, “Is this pain normal, or could it be something more?” will be answered in this piece to help you understand what endometriosis is, its symptoms, and what you can do about it.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to your uterine lining (endometrial tissue) grows in places it shouldn’t, like your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. Unlike your regular period, this displaced tissue can't exit your body. Instead, it bleeds inside, which can cause inflammation, scars, and other painful symptoms.
Endometriosis happens in 10%-15% of women of reproductive age, and women who are diagnosed are likely to have miscarriages.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
While symptoms can vary, these symptoms are primarily directed at endometriosis:
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Severe period pain that starts early and lingers even after bleeding stops
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Pain during sex, especially deep penetration
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Pelvic pain with bowel or bladder movements, particularly around your period
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Heavy or irregular bleeding, often with fatigue, bloating, or nausea
Some women only discover they have endometriosis during infertility evaluations or pelvic surgery.
Reasons Endometriosis Happens
There’s no single cause of endometriosis yet, but these common theories can explain why it happens:
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Retrograde menstruation: This occurs when menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvis instead of leaving the body, carrying endometrial-like cells that may implant and grow.
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Genetic factors: Having a close relative (like a mother or sister) with endometriosis increases your risk, showing a possible hereditary link.
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Immune system quirks: A weakened or overactive immune system may fail to clear misplaced endometrial-like tissue, allowing it to grow outside the uterus.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
The only definitive way to figure out if someone has endometriosis is usually through laparoscopy, where a small camera is inserted to check for endometrial tissue inside the abdomen.
Doctors may also use imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or MRI, but can miss smaller lesions this way, so a good discussion with your doctor about your symptoms can help determine whether testing is needed.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
There’s no cure for endometriosis yet, but several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Here they are:
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Painkillers
Painkillers like NSAIDs help reduce cramps and inflammatory pain.
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Hormonal Therapy
Hormone therapy, like birth control pills, progestins, and hormonal IUDs, can be used to control hormones that drive endometrial tissue growth, shrink lesions, and ease pain.
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Laparoscopic Surgery
Note: IVF is recommended if endometriosis affects conception and pregnancy is the goal.
Conclusion
Endometriosis doesn’t just mean bad cramps; it is a condition that deserves attention and care. So, if you experience a change in periods, like heavy bleeding or extreme pain with nausea, you should see a doctor.
Have your period pains ever felt too intense to ignore? Ever tried seeing a doctor?
Researched by Mercy Adeniyi.
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