Endometriosis can be a sneaky disease. You can have it and not even realize it. You may not recognize symptoms or think they are serious enough to tell a doctor. Signs of endometriosis can include any of the following:

• Severe cramping and pain during your period or intercourse
• Chronic low back pain that worsens during your period
• Tenderness in the affected area when pressure is applied
• Inability to become pregnant after one year of trying

Endometriosis develops when the tissue that lines your uterus—called the endometrium—grows outside the uterus, usually in the abdomen. The tissue can implant on the ovaries, the outer surface of the uterus, or other parts of the pelvic region.

Hormones Play a Role
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, hormones—especially estrogen—have an impact. If you have endometriosis, the endometrial tissue outside the uterus responds to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle. The implanted tissue swells and bleeds just like the lining of your uterus, but it doesn’t leave your body. This often results in pain and scar tissue on the areas affected by this migrating tissue.

Factors that decrease female hormones and stop menstruation, such as menopause, can offer pain relief. Menopause may even halt disease progression, since the implanted tissue shrinks. Pregnancy also can keep endometriosis temporarily in check.

Taming the Pain
Although there is no cure for endometriosis, you can relieve the pain that goes along with it by following these self-care tips:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Be sure to start taking a pain reliever as soon as pain begins, and follow directions for use on labeling.
• Apply a heating pad to your abdomen.
• If your abdomen isn’t tender to touch, lightly massage it in a circular motion using your fingertips.
• Relax by taking a warm shower.
• For severe pain, call your doctor.

Endometriosis Can Cause Infertility
If you are trying to get pregnant and are having difficulty, you could have endometriosis. The good news is that a procedure called laparoscopy may help restore fertility. In fact, 60 percent of women with moderate endometriosis and 35 percent of women with severe endometriosis become pregnant after surgical treatment.

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