Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue that belongs on the inside of the uterus grows where it doesn’t belong, outside of the uterus, which can cause pain and get in the way of fertility. It’s also very common, and according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, affects around 1 in 10 women.
How do I know if I’m at risk?
Endometriosis is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s, but it’s important to know that the average diagnosis takes 7-10 years from the time someone first seeks help for their symptoms. Endometriosis can happen at any time after periods start, and many teens are affected. Don’t ignore or dismiss your concerns, pain or symptoms. Endometriosis is common, and we have a long way to go to get more timely diagnosis and treatment.
Because we’re not sure of what causes endometriosis, it’s much harder to tell who has a greater chance of getting it.However, there are some patterns doctors and researchers have noticed in groups of women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis. These groups include:
- Family history: Women who have one or more close biological relatives who have been diagnosed with endometriosis, like a mother or a sister, are more likely to be diagnosed with it themselves. One theory for a genetic link is the way the immune system works, which can run in families. Immune system changes may make it harder for the body to fight off endometrial cells when they try to grow outside of the uterus.
- Early period: Women who experienced their first menstrual period at a younger age (before age 11) may be more likely to experience endometriosis.
- Birth: Women who haven’t yet given birth may be at a higher risk of developing endometriosis.
- Long periods: Women who regularly experience menstrual periods that last longer than seven days may be more likely to have or to develop endometriosis.
- Shorter cycles: Women who have cycles that are regularly less than 27 days in length
- Blockage: Women who have a closed hymen, or any health condition that blocks the flow of menstrual blood may be more likely to develop endometriosis.
- History: Women with a history of pelvic infection or uterine abnormalities may be more likely to develop endometriosis.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed clinically with the help of your provider. Some people may have imaging or even surgery to confirm their diagnosis and to stage or treat their disease. There are many symptoms you may experience that lead you to seek help. Women with endometriosis don’t necessarily experience all of these symptoms, but noticing them can be a good place to start. These signs include:
- Pelvic pain during menstruation
- Pelvic pain during sex
- Pain during urination or bowel movements, especially during menstruation
- Infertility or problems with fertility
- Excessive bleeding, including long or heavy periods, or bleeding between periods
- Other symptoms like sensitivity to pain, fatigue, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and constipation can also accompany endometriosis
Endometriosis is common and painful, but there are different treatment possibilities. People with endometriosis should have hope that a diagnosis and treatment plan will relieve their symptoms, manage or get rid of pain, and help them to make the reproductive choices they want.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health by Labcorp Clinical Team
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Endometriosis.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, Aug 20 2024. Web.
- ACOG “Diagnosis of Endometriosis” Clinical Practice Guideline Number 11. March 2026. Web.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine “Endometriosis.” Web.
- Endometriosis A Review: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2833561?utm_source=openevidence&utm_medium=referral
