All women know the pain of period cramps and the strength it takes to bear and manage it every month. It is famously known that the severity and duration of period pain and cramps are not the same in two women. Yet you would be surprised to know that some women may even experience pelvic pain and cramps without menstruation.
While there can be many reasons for this, Dr Darshan HB, Consultant, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospital, Electronic City, Bangalore told the team of OnlyMyHealth that one underlying health disease can be endometriosis.
What Is Endometriosis?
“Endometriosis is a medical condition which can cause pelvic pain, whether you are or not on your period,” said Dr Darshan. “The pain due to endometriosis is usually quite severe and begins before your period starts, peaks during the cycle, and remains for some time after the period ends,” he added.
The University of Oxford shared that endometriosis occurs in 5-10% of women of reproductive age (190 million globally), and it not only causes constant and intense pelvic pain, but also fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility.
Dr Darshan explained this severely inflammatory condition: "Endometrial tissue normally grows inside the uterus. However, in endometriosis, this tissue grows in other parts of the abdominal cavity, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis.” He informed me that this is a progressive condition which is not entirely treatable but can be managed through surgery and medication.
Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr M Rajini, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, listed a set of symptoms that may signify that you have endometriosis:
- Chronic pelvic pain which often gets worse during menstruation
- Severely painful periods
- Painful intercourse
- Infertility issues
- Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
- Unexplained fatigue
Endometriosis Treatment
According to the World Health Organisation, endometriosis typically begins when the first menstrual period occurs, and lasts till menopause. The organisation shared that while there is no cure, certain strategies can be taken to manage endometriosis. Dr Rajini listed the same:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers prescribed by a doctor.
- Birth control pills, hormonal patches, or vaginal rings.
- Hormone therapy can induce a temporary menopause-like state and reduce its symptoms.
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue.
- Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus in severe cases.
- Physical therapies that target the pelvic floor to manage muscle tension.
- Acupuncture, yoga, or relaxation techniques for pain management and stress reduction.
Both the doctors concluded that it is of utmost importance to consult a doctor or gynaecologist if you suspect that your symptoms may be indicative of endometriosis. Because the key to treating endometriosis is early diagnosis and timely treatment. If you do receive a diagnosis, make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise, balanced meals, and stress management.