Ovulation Pain Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when a part of the inner lining of the uterus exits
the Fallopian tubes and sticks to other organs of the uterus, including the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the uterus, and other pelvic tissues.  When you menstruate, this extra endometrial tissue bleeds as if it were in the uterus and there is usually extreme pain when having your period.

Ovulation can make the symptoms of endometriosis worse. As the egg is released, it can irritate the endometrial tissue and there can be increased pain with ovulation.  You will likely feel this on the side of the body where the egg was released.

Endometriosis affects at least seven million American women and is the leading cause of infertility in females.  It often results in chronic pelvic pain and the need for pelvic surgeries to try and break down the scar tissue that may be causing the ovulation pain or may be causing you to fail to get pregnant.

Causes of Endometriosis

No one knows the exact cause behind endometriosis.  The theory is that during menstruation, the tissue meant to pass through the cervix backs up into the fallopian tubes, where it implants on pelvic and abdominal tissues. The backup of endometrial lining is expected to occur in just about every woman but it is believed that those women who are suffering from some type of immune condition develop endometriosis.

There is another theory about why endometriosis occurs.  Some doctors believe that the endometrial tissue was there from birth and only begins to bleed when the teenager starts to have periods.  Other doctors believe that endometriosis is hereditary as it appears to run in families.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

The typical symptoms of endometriosis include any one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain on menstruation
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain on ovulation
• Infertility issues
• Constipation, diarrhea and bloating during menses
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Tiredness
• Pain on having a bowel movement
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Low back pain
• Pain on urinating

How can Endometriosis be treated?

There are generally four different ways to deal with endometriosis:

• Some women use pain medications they get over the counter, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, aspirin and acetaminophen. These may decrease the pain associated with ovulation or with your period. Sometimes stronger prescription medications are required.
• Some women use hormones that are given to try and stop the ovulation process. Hormones that are used for this include progesterone, birth control pills, and GnRH agonists.  These can be given for brief periods of time and are not without side effects.  Most women resort to hormones when the pain persists after surgery has been performed.
• Still other women resort to surgery. Surgery can be used to remove scar tissue, endometrial implants, or to free up the ovaries so that infertility issues can be managed.  If nothing seems to work, then a hysterectomy is performed to get rid of all of the endometrial tissue.
• Natural therapies are tried with some women. Some natural remedies include herbal treatments, vitamin treatment, myofascial release, Traditional Chinese Medicine, dietary changes, and acupuncture. If you decide to go with natural treatment for the ovulation pain associated with endometriosis, you need to see a certified nutritionist, a physical therapies, an expert in acupuncture or a homeopathic doctor—any one of whom may be able to provide you with the relief you need for the pain.