Endometriosis FAQs

Quick Facts

• Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium, grows outside 
• the uterus in the pelvic/abdominal cavity, resulting in inflammation.
• The cause remains unknown.
• It affects 1 in 10 women.
• Women with endometriosis may have pain, pelvic mass, subfertility, or asymptomatic (have no symptoms).

Complexity of Symptoms

• Many times women may not feel any symptoms, however pain and symptoms may present as follows:
  • Pelvic pain
  • Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
  • Infertility
  • Pain with deep intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Pain with voiding (dysuria) – with menstruation often
  • Blood in urine (hematuria) – with menstruation often
  • Low back pain
  • Chronic fatigue

* Not all pelvic pain is endometriosis, so ensure you consult a medical professional for further consultation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment*

Impact on Life

• Endometriosis & the pelvic pain can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, regardless of her age and desire for childbearing.
  • Home life – responsibilities & abilities at home & social network.
  • Work life – missed days due to pain & desire to remain in bed during the menstrual cycle.
  • Relationship with spouse or partner.
  • Risk of infertility
    • About 1/3 to ½ of women dealing with endometriosis will face difficulty getting pregnant. However since the condition can worsen with time, doctors generally don’t discourage women to try because it is still possible.

Diagnosis

• No imaging is sensitive to diagnosis endometriosis.  But transvaginal ultrasound and MRI may detect endometriomas (cysts of endometriosis on ovaries).
• Definitive diagnosis is made with surgery, and tissue biopsy.  However, treatment can begin without surgery diagnosis.

Treatment

• Treatment options depend on individual needs and circumstances, and may include medical and/or surgical options.
• For more information on current medical & surgical treatment options, click here (http://www.endometriosisclinic.ca/endometriosis/#treatments).
• Complimentary treatments & lifestyle modifications can help as well, and may include:
  • Mindfulness
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition Changes
  • Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy   

How can a pelvic floor physiotherapist help?

• Assess the muscles of the pelvic floor for trigger points (taut bands) and overall function, pain sources, bladder/bowel control, etc.
• Stress & pain management.
• Help treat the ‘endo’ belly (bloating and belly ache).
• Education on the disease, management, and empowerment.
• Personalized home exercise program.  This may include breathing, muscle release, muscle strengthening/training exercises.

Support Groups

If you have been diagnosed, or know someone who has, do not manage this alone!  Remember 1 in 10 women have endometriosis, with varying presentations and issues.  Talking about things and hearing other views is an integral part of the management process.  Here are links to national and local support groups.

• Endometriosis Network Canada - https://endometriosisnetwork.com
• Ottawa Endometriosis Support Group & Association - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ottawaendosupport/
• Ottawa Valley Endometriosis Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/302743306552505/

References:

1. Nnoaham, KE, et al. (2011) Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity: a multicenter study across ten countries. Fertil Steril. Aug; 96(2); p366-373. Accessed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21718982.
2. Endometriosis Clinic at McMaster University (2018). http://www.endometriosisclinic.ca, accessed September 6, 2018.
3. The Endometriosis Network Canada (2018). https://endometriosisnetwork.com, accessed September 5, 2018.
4. Mayo Clinic (2018). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656.