Endometriosis is something millions of women live with, yet many are unaware of it for years. Common endometriosis symptoms include pelvic pain and fertility challenges, and getting clear answers can be difficult. In fact, it affects about 1 in 10 women in the U.S.
Normally, the uterus forms a lining called the endometrium to prepare you for pregnancy. With endometriosis, tissue similar to this lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause you pain and sometimes difficulty conceiving.
At Kairos, we know how draining it is to deal with chronic pain while searching for real answers. Our Houston primary care team is here to support you and guide you toward better options for relief.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of its usual place, often on the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Each month, this tissue responds to the menstrual cycle, thickening and bleeding as it would inside the uterus. But because it’s outside, the blood has nowhere to go. This buildup can lead to irritation, scarring, and ongoing pain. Many women see its symptoms during their periods, but its higher impact often continues beyond menstruation.
Common Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis pain feels very different from typical period cramps. You may feel it as sharp or so intense that it disrupts your normal activities.
Common endometriosis symptoms include:
- Painful periods with intense cramps, lower back pain, and abdominal pain that may begin before your period and last for several days.
- Ongoing pelvic pain that lingers throughout the month, not just during menstruation.
- Pain during intimacy is a common but many don’t realize.
- Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation during your cycle
- Trouble conceiving, since endometriosis is the main cause of infertility
If you see these patterns, it may be time to bring them up with your healthcare provider. You don’t have to ignore or normalize this kind of pain.
Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Endometriosis?
Many women asked us this question, and the simple answer is Yes, and it is possible. But it can sometimes be more challenging.
Here is why:
- Scar tissue and adhesions can block your fallopian tubes.
- Inflammation may interfere with your egg quality or sperm function
- Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your ovulation
These factors explain why endometriosis is linked with infertility, not only because of pain, but also due to its impact on reproductive organs. Still, many women with endometriosis are able to have healthy pregnancies, sometimes with the help of good fertility treatments.
What Causes Endometriosis?
There are many factors that can cause endometriosis, but the exact cause isn’t fully known.
Retrograde Menstruation
Sometimes, menstrual blood flows backward into your pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body. This can carry endometrial cells to places they shouldn’t be, where they may attach and grow.
Genetics
If this condition runs in your family, your risk of getting it may be higher.
Immune System Differences
Your immune system usually clears misplaced tissue, but in some women, this process doesn’t work as efficiently. That allows endometrial-like tissue to persist outside the uterus. Endometriosis often begins during the teen years, but it can take years for the condition to be recognized.
Many women don’t get a clear diagnosis until adulthood, which is why we always emphasize that understanding symptoms and risk factors is so important.
Endometriosis Treatment Options
When you’re diagnosed with endometriosis, or even if you’re still in the process of finding answers, the good news is that there are ways to manage symptoms.
Testing and Diagnosis
To better diagnose your condition, we may do some tests based on your symptoms. These tests can include ultrasounds, MRI scans, and bloodwork to better understand how endometriosis is affecting your body.
Medications
We may recommend pain relievers or hormonal treatments, including birth control or hormone therapy like GnRH agonists, to reduce your pain and inflammation.
Surgery
For some patients, a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopy can remove problematic tissue. This is ideal to improve fertility in some cases.
Functional Medicine Approach
Functional medicine allows you to look at your root cause and recommend supplements, dietary strategies, and therapies specifically to your needs.
Home Remedies to Manage Endometriosis
- You should go for heat therapy, such as applying a hot water bottle, heating pad, or taking a warm bath, to ease cramps and relax pelvic muscles.
- You can also try pelvic massage. Gentle manipulation of the pelvis and lower back can increase blood flow, relax the area, and reduce pain linked to scar tissue from endometriosis.
- Do gentle exercise like yoga or walking to improve your blood flow and release natural pain relievers.
- Take some time from your schedule and do deep breathing or meditation to manage your stress.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Some women find relief with gluten-free or vegan options.
- You can also consider supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin D, or turmeric, which may help reduce inflammation and support hormonal balance. (Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement.)
- You should drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Conclusion
Finding out you have endometriosis can bring a lot of mixed feelings. You might feel relieved to finally understand why your periods are so painful, but it’s normal to also feel nervous about treatment or what it could mean for having children.
At Kairos Integrative Care, Lola, one of our board-certified practitioners, helps patients manage endometriosis symptoms and guides them through the best treatment options. For patients in the area, we provide care through Primary Care Sugar Land, Texas, as well as in Houston, Richmond, and nearby neighborhoods (77046 & 77478) and accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna, and more.
If visiting the clinic isn’t possible, telemedicine appointments are available across Texas.
Schedule your appointment today!
