The Hidden Impact of Silent Endometriosis on Quality of Life

ByNicole Tatlock Leet

Endometriosis refers to a condition where tissue resembling endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. Silent endometriosis has milder symptoms but causes conditions that impact women’s health. A MyReceptiva test is helpful for beginning the diagnosis process. Here is more information about the hidden impact of silent endometriosis on quality of life:

Inflammation and Pelvic Issues

With silent endometriosis, the tissue growth outside of the uterus responds to the menstruation cycle, thickening and shedding. Since this tissue does not leave the body, the body’s immune response is activated, causing inflammation and scar tissue formation. The inflammation impacts pelvic sensitivity. Continued, undisturbed tissue growth is able to spread to other organs in the body, causing adhesions. Pelvic anatomy are able to be impacted through fibrosis. A possible symptom of endometriosis is dyspareunia. This refers to discomfort before, during, or after sex. This can disrupt personal life or plans to have a baby.

Urinary and Digestive Issues

Tissue lesions are able to develop on the bladder, impacting urinary symptoms. One outcome is increased discomfort while urinating, while another is more frequent urination during menstrual cycles. With some individuals, discomfort appears as a feeling of not being finished with urination. 

Tissue growth on bowel surfaces is able to cause issues such as bloating or cramping. Reduced pelvic support due to tissue on pelvic ligaments can result in pelvic pressure during bowel movements. Both bowel and bladder issues are able to cause interruptions in daily life; frequent or painful bathroom breaks are able to interfere with the workday or productivity at home.

Endometrial tissue growth on the intestine can also negatively affect menstrual cycles. Possible issues include diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. This increases bodily discomfort during periods.

Diagnostic Delay

The main symptoms of endometriosis include severe pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. The milder symptoms related to silent endometriosis may be mistaken for menstrual symptoms or other digestive conditions. This includes urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 65% of women are misdiagnosed, and the average time for a diagnosis is between seven and 10 years. 

Delays in diagnosing endometriosis can increase the severity of the condition. Specific testing makes it easier for doctors to diagnose endometriosis and begin a treatment plan. The BCL6 protein is a marker for uterine inflammation. The MyReceptiva test utilizes a uterine sample to test for the presence of the marker, and a positive result indicates a 90% or higher chance of endometriosis. Receiving a positive result helps patients make educated choices on whether to receive a laparoscopy, which is a surgery that confirms the presence of endometriosis.

Infertility and IVF Failures

Endometriosis is able to negatively affect fertility. Scar tissue, inflammation, and adhesions around the fallopian tubes and reproductive organs make it more difficult for eggs to move to the uterus, impacting natural conception. Endometriosis also causes interference with hormone signaling, such as progesterone resistance. Progesterone refers to the hormone that prepares the uterine lining and helps regulate menstrual cycles; progesterone resistance results in irregular lining that impacts embryo growth. 

Endometriosis has the ability to impact the success of artificial reproductive technology treatments, including in vitro fertilization. The IVF process consists of removing an egg, fertilizing it, and then placing it in the patient’s womb. Endometriosis can affect implantation and embryo development. 

A fertility doctor is able to use the results of a MyReceptiva test to create a treatment plan to improve fertility. One treatment method is hormone therapy. Options include: 

  • GnRH agonists and antagonists: Hormone suppression treatments lower inflammation and stop the menstrual cycle, improving ovulation.  
  • Progesterone treatment: This promotes tissue growth in the uterus to create a thicker uterine lining for an embryo. 

Other treatment options include laparoscopy to remove tissue growth and lifestyle changes to promote fertility. A fertility specialist can create a nutritional diet to help with hormonal levels. Receiving treatment helps promote IVF success.  

Undergo Testing for Silent Endometriosis

Receiving treatment for silent endometriosis helps improve symptoms and increase quality of life. A sample report of the MyReceptiva test is available on our website, and we offer resources for your health care provider. To request a phone consultation to discuss the test, use our online calendar today.