Endometriosis is a complex chronic illness that affects millions of women worldwide. Often invisible and difficult to diagnose, it can have a major impact on daily life, physical and mental health, and fertility.
Endometriosis can have significant repercussions on the personal and professional lives of many women. Understanding the causes and symptoms of this disease is the first step to recognizing it, managing it, and supporting those affected by it. The SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada) estimates that approximately 10% of women of childbearing age suffer from endometriosis. That’s nearly two million women in Canada.
First, we need to understand what the endometrium is. It’s the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Each month, due to hormone fluctuations in the body, it thickens to accommodate a possible pregnancy. If there’s no pregnancy, this lining breaks down and is flushed out by the vagina through the process known as menstruation. The endometrium undergoes changes throughout the menstrual cycle and plays a key role in embryo implantation.
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue develops outside the uterus, for example on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or rectum. This tissue reacts to the hormones of the menstrual cycle as if it was in the uterus: it thickens and bleeds, but cannot be evacuated from the body like normal. This leads to inflammation, chronic pain, and sometimes the formation of cysts or adhesions, and can also affect fertility.
Scientists are unsure of the root cause of endometriosis. However, there are several theories. Some studies suggest that fragments of uterine mucosa might detach during menstruation and then migrate into the uterine cavity rather than being expelled outside the body. These endometrial cells may then be transported to another location by the blood or lymph (the fluid that carries waste products throughout your body). In this way, cells located outside the uterus are converted into endometrial cells.
These cells then undergo the same changes as the endometrium and react to the hormones of the menstrual cycle in the same way, but at the end of each cycle, the blood has no way to leave the body. These unwanted cells can cause chronic inflammation, pain, and the formation of cysts, which can affect the daily lives of many women.
There are several types of endometriosis, most of which are classified according to the location and depth of the lesions.
This type results in small lesions on the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. While painful, they are often difficult to detect.
This type is characterized by lesions that infiltrate neighbouring tissues (bladder, rectum, or uterine ligaments). This type of endometriosis is often associated with severe pain, particularly during menstruation or sexual intercourse.
Also known as endometrioma, this type can be identified by the formation of cysts on the ovaries. These cysts, filled with old blood, are sometimes called “chocolate cysts”. Ovarian endometriosis can affect fertility and cause persistent pain.
In some cases, endometriosis can appear at the site of a surgical scar, particularly after a Caesarean section. This is known as scar endometriosis or parietal endometriosis. It results in pain at the site of the scar, sometimes accompanied by a small painful lump, especially during menstruation. Although rarer, this form of endometriosis may require surgical intervention to give the patient relief.
Endometriosis can be serious, but there are many treatments available to reduce its symptoms and make it easier to manage. In addition to causing pain, symptoms can affect both the digestive and reproductive systems.
This disease mainly affects women of childbearing age, but can appear in young girls as early as adolescence. The research shows that certain hereditary and hormonal factors should be taken into consideration when making a diagnosis.
Medical experts note that endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. The disease can produce a wide range of symptoms that can lead to a flare-up. It should be noted that the intensity of the pain is variable and can differ from one person to another. Your Brunet health specialists can advise you on how to reduce the discomfort caused by this condition.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on fertility, but it does not make pregnancy impossible. Depending on the location and severity of the disease, it may impair ovarian function, partially obstruct the fallopian tubes, or cause adhesions that make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.
Many women conceive spontaneously despite endometriosis, while others succeed thanks to medical support. Fertility treatments such as ovarian stimulation, artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are a few of the most promising options.
It’s very important that women who are interested in starting a family discuss their plans with their gynecologist or a fertility specialist so that a suitable strategy can be put in place. With appropriate medical care, many endometriosis patients are still able to become mothers.
If you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s important to consult a gynaecologist for a diagnosis and get a prescription tailored to your specific situation. A thorough clinical examination will be necessary in order to select the most appropriate treatment(s) for your condition. Your medical provider can offer you different options depending on your pain levels, age, and whether or not you are interested in becoming pregnant.
It’s very important not to ignore any unusual symptoms you may be experiencing, especially if they persist or worsen over time.
Depending on the symptoms observed and the results of the clinical examination, further tests may be carried out to clarify the endometriosis diagnosis.
Once your symptoms have been properly assessed and a medical diagnosis has been made, your health specialist will suggest a course of treatment. In some cases, surgery may be required.
Depending on the severity of the endometriosis, surgery may be considered as a primary or complementary treatment to remove lesions and improve quality of life.
Laparoscopic surgery is a technique that allows the surgeon to remove misplaced endometrial tissue or endometriosis cysts that have formed in the course of the disease. This technique does not cause infertility.
This surgery is a last resort if the disease is too advanced and pelvic pain is too severe. It consists of removing the uterus (and sometimes the ovaries) entirely. This technique results in complete infertility, which is why it is the last treatment option.
Adopting healthy eating habits can help reduce inflammation and manage some endometriosis symptoms.
Here are a few healthy foods to include on your plate each day:
And don’t forget to hydrate regularly with water or herbal tea to support your digestive system!
There are several types of medical professionals who can help reduce the effects of endometriosis on your life, whether by providing medical care, support after surgery, or pain management:
Your Brunet team can assist you with certain treatments, help you manage your symptoms, and advise you on the medications prescribed by your doctor. Our pharmacists will be happy to help you improve your health.
Endometriosis is treatable, and advances in medical diagnosis and treatment now make it easier to manage symptoms, offering women the prospect of continuing to lead a healthy, active life.
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Last updated on October 7, 2025
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