What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition affecting around 10-20% of women at reproductive age. It occurs when endometrial tissue (uterine lining) implants itself outside the uterus. Typically, it implants itself in areas that would still be along the reproductive system, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries, but sometimes this tissue may travel to the urethra, bowel and intestines, or further. Symptoms of endometriosis depend on the severity of excess tissue growth:

• Dyspareunia (pain with sex),
• Chronic pelvic pain,
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction,
• Pain while going to the bathroom,
• Irregular bowel behavior,
• Painful and heavy periods,
• Bloating,

Sometimes, even if there is a lot of buildup, symptoms may not present themselves. On the other hand, many women may have very light endometriosis and still present with intense symptoms.

Endometriosis remains under investigation. Many healthcare professionals don’t fully understand the facets of endometriosis, outside of symptomology and connection with genetic history (if your mom had endometriosis, you may have a higher chance of developing endometriosis). Often, endometriosis is not caught until after a long period of infertility, as that is one of its most commonly identified symptoms.

Impacts of Endometriosis

Quality of life and sexual function may also be affected by endometriosis. One study on quality of life in endometriosis patients reported 65% of their survey group was negatively affected in regard to their sex life, which may inversely affect their overall quality of life as well. Many women have reported feelings of inferiority, guilt toward their partner, shame, or loss of femininity, all of which may contribute toward mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Another study focusing on endometriosis and sexual distress reported 68% of their survey group experienced severe sexual distress, with 67% avoiding sex altogether. This same study states that 8/10 women included in the study stated endometriosis symptoms like dyspareunia and pelvic pain negatively impacted their sex lives.

Are There Any Treatment Options?

Unfortunately, available treatment options are mainly meant to help manage pain from symptoms and to help with infertility, but cannot cure endometriosis:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (brand name Advil), or acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol).
• Hormonal birth control, mainly progestin, to counteract the excess of estrogen and help with hormone regulation.
• In severe cases, healthcare providers may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometrial tissue.
• As a last resort, some providers may recommend a hysterectomy to avoid any further tissue growth or bodily harm.

Key Takeaways

• Endometriosis is not well understood but is known to be genetic.
• Endometriosis can cause debilitating periods, pelvic pain, and infertility.
• Many women may feel shame, guilt, or inferiority toward themselves and around their partners or relationships.
• Many women with endometriosis may avoid sex altogether because of endometriosis-induced sexual dysfunction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the side effects of endometriosis, it is a good idea to meet with a health care professional to discuss treatment options that can improve one’s quality of life.

Resources

Amza, M., Sima, R.-M., Conea, I.-M., Bobei, T.-I., Augustin, F.-E., & Ples, L. (2025). The impact of endometriosis on patients’ quality of sexual life. Journal of Medicine and Life, 18(2), 90–93. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2024-0262

Jimenez, J. C., Romero, L. L., Garcia, I. B., Sanchez, M. L., & Fernandez, R. O. (2023). Endometriosis and dyspareunia: Solving the Enigma. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: X, 19, 100224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100224

Privitera, G., O’Brien, K., Misajon, R., & Lin, C.-Y. (2023). Endometriosis symptomatology, Dyspareunia, and sexual distress are related to avoidance of sex and negative impacts on the sex lives of women with endometriosis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3362. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043362

Tsamantioti ES, Mahdy H. Endometriosis. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567777/

Vannuccini, S., Maseroli, E., Vignozzi, L., & Petraglia, F. (2023). The challenge of endometriosis for Female Sexual Health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(3), 240–246. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad004