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    FAQs: Answers to the Top 20 Questions About Endometriosis



    Endometriosis is a complex, chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women and individuals assigned female at birth during their reproductive years. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and widely misunderstood.


    Here, we break down 20 of the most commonly asked questions about endometriosis—clearing up confusion, busting myths, and offering research-backed answers to empower you with clarity.


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    1. What is endometriosis?


    Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus—on organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and intestines. Unlike regular endometrial tissue, this misplaced tissue cannot exit the body during menstruation. As a result, it causes inflammation, pain, scar tissue, and sometimes organ damage.



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    2. How common is endometriosis?


    According to the WHO, endometriosis affects approximately 10% (190 million) of women and girls of reproductive age globally.


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    3. Is endometriosis an autoimmune disease?


    Endometriosis is *not* classified as an autoimmune disease. However, it shares several immune-related features—such as chronic inflammation and impaired immune surveillance—which suggests that immune dysfunction may play a role in its development and progression.


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    4. Can endometriosis come back after surgery?


    Yes, and this is one of the most frustrating aspects of managing endometriosis. Even after surgery to remove visible lesions, endometriosis can return. Studies show recurrence rates ranging from 6% to 67%, depending on factors like the type of surgery, whether microscopic implants were left behind, and whether hormonal treatment was used after the procedure.



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    1. Will pregnancy cure endometriosis?

    This is a common myth. While pregnancy may reduce symptoms temporarily due to changes in hormone levels (especially increased progesterone), it doesn’t cure the disease. Many people find their symptoms return postpartum, and for some, they worsen.



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    1. How do I know if I have endometriosis or just bad periods?


    “Bad periods” are common, but endometriosis is more than that. If you experience pain that disrupts daily life, pain during sex, painful bowel movements during menstruation, or persistent fatigue, it’s worth getting evaluated. Pain from endometriosis often begins *before* the period starts and may not respond well to over-the-counter pain relief.



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    7. How is endometriosis diagnosed?


    The gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery that allows visualization of lesions. However, imaging (ultrasound or MRI) and clinical evaluation are often used first. Diagnosis can be delayed on average 7–10 years due to symptom overlap and medical dismissal.



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    1. Can you see endometriosis on an ultrasound?


    Sometimes. While deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas may be seen on specialized ultrasound, small or superficial lesions usually aren’t visible. MRI can offer better detail, but laparoscopy remains most accurate.


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    1. Does endometriosis cause infertility?

    Yes. Some studies suggest that up to 50% of people with infertility are found to have endometriosis. The disease can impair egg quality, cause scarring, or alter the uterine environment.



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    1. Can teenagers have endometriosis?


    Absolutely. Endometriosis can begin at the onset of menstruation, and symptoms in teens are often dismissed as normal. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent disease progression.


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    1. What causes endometriosis?

    The exact cause is unknown, but theories include retrograde menstruation, immune system dysfunction, genetic predisposition, stem cell migration, and environmental factors.



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    1. Can endometriosis affect other organs?*


    Yes. Endometrial-like tissue has been found on every organ except the spleen—including the lungs, diaphragm, and even the brain in extremely rare cases.


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    1. Can I have endometriosis after menopause?


    Yes. Although endo is estrogen-dependent and usually improves after menopause, some people continue to experience symptoms, especially if they’re using hormone replacement therapy (HRT).


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    14. Does endometriosis increase cancer risk?


    While endometriosis is not directly a cause of cancer, women with endometriosis have a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. The overall risk remains low, but it's higher than in women without endometriosis, particularly for specific types of ovarian cancer like clear cell and endometrioid. Some studies suggest that endometriosis may also be associated with an increased risk of other cancers, including uterine, breast, and cervical cancers. However, these associations are not as strong or consistent as the link with ovarian cancer, and further research is needed to confirm the extent of these risks.


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    1. How is endometriosis treated?


    Treatment options include:

    - Hormonal suppression (birth control pills, IUDs, GnRH agonists)

    - Pain relief (NSAIDs, nerve blocks)

    - Surgery (excision is preferred over ablation)

    - Multimodal support (nutrition, physical therapy, psychotherapy)



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    1. Can diet help with endometriosis?


    Yes. Anti-inflammatory diets—rich in leafy greens, omega-3s, and whole foods—may help reduce symptoms. Some benefit from reducing dairy, gluten, and red meat.



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    1. Can endometriosis affect mental health?


    Yes. Chronic pain, fatigue, and fertility struggles contribute to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Medical gaslighting exacerbates mental health tolls.



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    1. What is the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis?


    Endometriosis involves endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus. Adenomyosis is when this tissue grows within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can co-occur.



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    1. Can I prevent endometriosis?


    There’s no known way to prevent endometriosis. However, early intervention, symptom tracking, and hormonal regulation may help reduce severity or progression.


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    1. Where can I find support?


    Support groups, advocacy organizations, and digital platforms like ELANZA Wellness offer education, tools, and community support to help manage life with endometriosis.



     
     
     

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