Symptoms and Causes of Endometriosis
From chronic pain to difficulty conceiving, the effects of endometriosis can be wide-ranging. Identifying this condition helps affected individuals find a suitable treatment to manage their pain and improve other aspects of their health. Here are some things to know about the symptoms and causes of endometriosis and how MyReceptiva can help:
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, similar to what lines the uterus, grows in abnormal locations. It affects around 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. In individuals with endometriosis, tissue can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs within the pelvis. The tissue thickens, breaks down, and sheds with each menstrual cycle but has no way to exit the body. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and additional conditions like infertility.
What Are Its Symptoms?
The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely from one individual to another, with some experiencing little to no discomfort and others living with chronic pain. If an individual does have symptoms, they may experience:
- Menstrual pain
- Bloating
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Pain during or after sex
- Bladder or bowel pain
- Back pain
- Fertility challenges
For some individuals, the condition is present without noticeable symptoms. This is referred to as silent endometriosis. People with this condition may not realize they have it until they face infertility or other complications during medical assessments. It can be difficult to diagnose since the absence of common symptoms like pelvic pain or heavy periods may lead individuals to overlook the possibility of the condition. The MyReceptiva test is especially useful in this situation.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is currently unclear, though several theories have been proposed. One theory involves retrograde menstruation, which is where menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. This carries endometrial cells that implant and grow outside the uterus. Other possible causes include endometrial cells being transported through the blood, similar to how cancer cells spread, or endometrial cells attaching to the body’s inner walls after surgery. There may also be a genetic component, as the condition has been seen to occur in families.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of endometriosis typically begins with a review of the patient’s medical history and a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI help identify further signs of endometriosis, such as ovarian cysts or scarring, but they cannot definitively diagnose the condition. For a sure diagnosis, medical professionals can perform a laparoscopy. This minimally invasive surgery allows a doctor to view the inside of the abdomen using a thin camera. It lets them check for signs of endometrial tissue growth to confirm a diagnosis.
MyReceptiva offers a way to detect endometriosis, helping with diagnosis and proper treatment of the condition. This test checks for the presence of the BCL6 protein marker. Elevated levels of this protein suggest that the body is experiencing inflammation that is highly associated with endometriosis. It helps justify the need for surgery and can lead patients to explore hormone suppression treatments if struggling with infertility. A negative test result lets patients know that endometriosis likely isn’t the cause of their infertility, allowing them to explore other treatment options. MyReceptiva can’t definitively diagnose endometriosis on its own, but a positive result does indicate a 90% or greater chance that the condition is present.
Ask Your Doctor About MyReceptiva
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and many people live with its symptoms for years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Testing for this condition helps identify the cause of painful symptoms, guide effective treatment plans, and improve fertility outcomes. Ask your doctor about MyReceptiva today to help determine if endometriosis is the cause of your pelvic pain or infertility.
