Untreated Endometriosis?
What Happens If Endometriosis That Needs Treatment Goes Untreated?
Here’s the thing: untreated endometriosis doesn’t just sit quietly. It can cause a ripple effect in your body that impacts your health, fertility, and quality of life. I thought I’d talk you through a few of the most common complications.
- Chronic Pain
Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain. As the endometrial-like tissue grows and spreads, it can irritate nearby organs and cause chronic inflammation. This pain can go from occasional to constant, interfering with everything from work to relationships to exercise. - Adhesions and Scar Tissue
When inflammation becomes a regular visitor, your body tries to protect itself by forming scar tissue or adhesions. Think of adhesions like sticky bands that glue your organs together. They can change the normal anatomy of your pelvis, making movement painful and even affecting the function of your bowels or bladder. - Ovarian Cysts (Endometriomas)
These are cysts that form when endometriosis invades the ovaries. Known as “chocolate cysts” because of their dark, blood-filled appearance, they cause pain AND they can also damage the ovaries and reduce your fertility. - Fertility Problems
Endometriosis is a major cause of infertility, affecting up to 50% of women who struggle to conceive. Scar tissue and adhesions can block the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from meeting sperm. The inflammation it causes can also affect the quality of your eggs and the environment in your pelvis, making conception harder. - Bowel and Bladder Issues
If endometriosis spreads to your bowel or bladder, it can cause symptoms like painful bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, or urinary urgency (feeling like you need to go all the time). Severe cases may even lead to partial bowel obstruction, which is a medical emergency. - Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Now, this part sounds scarier than it is. The overall risk of developing ovarian cancer from endometriosis is still low, but studies show that women with endometriosis have a slightly higher chance compared to those without it. Regular monitoring is key.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
If your endometriosis is causing symptoms that interfere with your life or your ability to have children, it’s time to explore treatment options. These may include:
- Medications to manage pain and inflammation.
- Hormonal therapies to slow the growth of endometriosis.
- Surgical options to remove excess tissue, cysts, or adhesions. Laparoscopic excision of endo is classed as the “gold standard”.
Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the best approach depends on your symptoms, age, and future fertility plans. A conversation with a specialist can help you decide the best path forward. Our OBGYNs here at SHE Medical ALL specialise in endometriosis and we have half a century of experience between us.
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis isn’t just a bad period. It can impact your whole life. And while not every case needs treatment, ignoring the symptoms or delaying care can lead to more serious complications.
If you suspect you have endometriosis or you’ve been diagnosed but are unsure about your next steps, it’s worth having an open and honest conversation with a specialist gyno, like one of us. You deserve to live without pain, and without the worry of what might happen if you don’t seek care.
At SHE Medical, we’re here to guide you through every step of your health journey with compassion, expertise, and the answers you need.
Click here for our clinic details – https://shemedical.com.au/contact-page/.