Frequently Asked Questions About Endometriosis

 
 

FAQs

Resources

The Endometriosis Network Canada: https://endometriosisnetwork.com/

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada: https://www.yourperiod.ca/endometriosis/

Chronic Pelvic Pain: www.tamethebeast.org

Is all endometriosis the same?

There are two main types of endometriosis known as superficial and deep infiltrating. Superficial endometriosis describes growths that cover the pelvic and abdominal organs, while deep infiltrating endometriosis is defined as growths that grow deeply into the pelvic organs, usually affecting the uterine supports, vagina, bladder, and rectum.

There are also varying degrees of severity of endometriosis, which depend on the number of growths seen, affected organs, and the amount of scarring or adhesions found. Endometriosis may be classified as minimal, mild, moderate, or severe, as seen in some classification systems. However, it is important to note that the classification scores are not associated with the level of pain experienced by the person and any other symptoms. Click the button below to read more about endometriosis classification systems.

How do I know if I have endometriosis?

You may suspect endometriosis if you are experiencing symptoms described here, but a confirmed diagnosis can only be made by a specialist and can often require a laparoscopy to confirm any findings from ultrasound or MRI (learn more about diagnosing endometriosis). Some individuals do not experience any symptoms and endometriosis is only found after testing when there are difficulties with getting pregnant.


Do I need to see a doctor if a close relative was diagnosed with endometriosis?

You may not need to see a doctor as having a family history of endometriosis only increases your risk of developing the condition, but it does not mean that you definitely have endometriosis. You should only see a doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms listed here.

 

I have been diagnosed with endometriosis. Will I ever be able to get pregnant?

Each case of endometriosis is different, which means it is difficult to say how hard it will be to get pregnant. Among people with endometriosis, about two-thirds still manage to get pregnant naturally and many others respond well to fertility treatments. Unfortunately, there is a small number of individuals with severe endometriosis who are unable to get pregnant.



I was treated for endometriosis in the past and now I seem to have the same symptoms again. Has my endometriosis come back?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, meaning that it will require lifelong management. Often, the conditions that occurred to create endometriosis the first time are still present, meaning that it can come back. On average, 1 in 3 individuals with endometriosis who have a laparoscopy to treat the condition will need a second procedure within 5 years of their first one.

 
 

 Is endometriosis contagious? Can I get it from someone else?

No, endometriosis is not a condition that can spread to other people. It is NOT a sexually transmitted infection, and it does not spread through contact with people who have endometriosis.

 

Can I treat endometriosis with natural therapies and complementary medicine?

Natural therapies and complementary medicine will not cure endometriosis, but some of them have been shown to help individuals manage their symptoms.

Acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage techniques, exercise under the guidance of a trained professional, balanced nutrition, and adopting a generally healthy lifestyle, while not a cure for the condition, may significantly improve your symptoms.



Can children and post-menopausal people have endometriosis?

It is highly unlikely that a child or post-menopausal person will develop endometriosis.  As the endometriosis growths respond to hormones that are present in the body during puberty until menopause, people who have not started their periods or who no longer get them are less likely to have endometriosis. That being said, it is not impossible for these people to develop endometriosis.

 

 Is there a cure for endometriosis?

There is no complete cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments that will help manage the symptoms. Different people will need different treatments or a combination of treatments for their symptoms and quality of life improvement. See treatments below


 Will I cure my endometriosis if I become pregnant?

No, you will not cure your endometriosis if you become pregnant. Many individuals will experience a reduction of their symptoms during pregnancy, but their symptoms may return after childbirth and when breastfeeding is finished.  

Deciding to have children is a personal decision based on each individual’s unique life circumstances and is not a cure for endometriosis. It should never be suggested that an individual get pregnant to treat or cure their endometriosis.

 

 Is endometriosis cancer?

No, endometriosis is not cancer although it can spread to many areas within the body, it does not behave like cancer.

 

Who do I see if I think I have endometriosis?

If you suspect that you may have endometriosis, there are many healthcare professionals who can help you manage your symptoms.  First, you will need to call your primary care physician to help you assess your symptoms and determine if you need a referral to someone who specializes in endometriosis. Your physician may also prescribe medical treatments, which may manage your symptoms without needing further referrals.

If you do require further treatment, such as surgery, it is important to see a specialist gynecologist who has experience with endometriosis and laparoscopic surgery of the condition. Depending on the level of endometriosis, the operation can be quite complex and not everyone has received the specialized training to perform it.

You may also choose to supplement your treatment plan with help from Physiotherapists, dietitians, and fitness trainers who specialize in treating individuals with endometriosis.

 

Can endometriosis have no symptoms?

Yes, endometriosis is sometimes found during laparoscopic surgeries for other reasons in individuals who have never had any symptoms.

 

What are the first signs of endometriosis?

In most cases, the first signs of endometriosis are increasingly worse pains during your period and/or vaginal pain during sexual activities. In other cases, it can be changes to your usual period flow. Some people find out that they have endometriosis when they have difficulty getting pregnant and undergo fertility testing.