Why does endometriosis cause pain?

Endometriosis causes pain when tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Because this tissue has no way to leave the body, it can trigger inflammation, scar tissue, adhesions, and sometimes organ damage.

What are the most common symptoms of endometriosis?

Common symptoms of endometriosis include painful or heavy periods, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, infertility, digestive symptoms around menstruation, fatigue, and low energy. Symptom severity can vary widely.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Doctors may start with a medical history and physical exam, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may help identify larger lesions. Endometriosis is definitively confirmed through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery that allows a doctor to view and sometimes remove tissue.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

Treatment for endometriosis depends on symptoms, severity, and fertility goals. Options may include pain medications, hormonal therapies, laparoscopic surgery, or hysterectomy in severe cases when fertility preservation is not a concern.

Will I need surgery for endometriosis?

Not everyone with endometriosis needs surgery. Surgery may be recommended when pain is severe, fertility is affected, or other treatments are not working. Laparoscopic excision is often used to remove endometriosis tissue and may help reduce symptoms and recurrence.

Where can I find additional support and resources?

Additional support and education are available through organizations such as the Society for Women’s Health Research Endometriosis Toolkit, Endometriosis.net, the International Pelvic Pain Society, and the Endometriosis Association.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?

Yes. Endometriosis can contribute to infertility when scar tissue affects the fallopian tubes, egg quality, implantation, or nearby reproductive structures. Many people with endometriosis can still conceive naturally or with treatments such as surgery or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

What is recovery like after surgery for endometriosis?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed. After laparoscopy, many patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks, with full recovery often taking 4 to 6 weeks. Fatigue, abdominal soreness, and bloating are common during healing.

Does endometriosis always come back after treatment?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and recurrence is possible even after treatment. Hormonal therapy after surgery may help reduce recurrence, and regular follow-up care can support long-term management.

Can endometriosis be managed without medication or surgery?

Some people manage endometriosis symptoms with non-surgical and non-medication strategies such as pelvic floor physical therapy, dietary changes, stress management, acupuncture, or yoga. These approaches do not cure endometriosis but may help reduce pain and improve quality of life.

What complications can arise from untreated endometriosis?

Untreated endometriosis can lead to chronic pain, infertility, ovarian cysts called endometriomas, and adhesions that bind organs together. In rare cases, deep endometriosis can affect the kidneys, intestines, or bladder and may lead to organ damage.

Does endometriosis increase my risk for cancer?

Endometriosis itself is not cancer, but it has been linked to a slightly increased risk of certain ovarian cancers. The overall risk remains low, and most people with endometriosis never develop cancer.

CanSAGE Videos // Surgical Video Resources // Endometriosis

Endometriosis Surgery Videos

Watch clear, factual videos from gynecology experts on diagnosing and treating endometriosis. Learn about surgical approaches, evidence-based practices, and strategies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

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Latest Endometriosis Surgery Videos

Laparoscopic ureteroneocystotomy for severe endometriosis: a challenging case of dual distant lesions

The minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery team at Laval University presents laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy for severe endometriosis, a challenging case of dual distant lesions. Urinary tract endometriosis is common among women with deep endometriosis, with the bladder being most often affected. The ureter is involved in about 10% of cases. Our team has previously presented a six-step approach for managing these challenging ureteric endometriosis cases.

Laparoscopic excision of obturator nerve endometriosis a stepwise approach

Step-by-step laparoscopic excision of obturator nerve endometriosis, focusing on anatomy, nerve-sparing dissection, and symptom relief in complex cases.

Laparoscopic Mesentery-sparing NOSE Bowel Resection for Endometriosis: When and How?

A detailed guide to laparoscopic mesentery-sparing natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) bowel resection for endometriosis—when to use it and how it’s done.

Diaphragmatic Endometriosis

Watch two contrasting cases of diaphragmatic endometriosis—one treated with superficial excision, the other requiring full-thickness resection of the diaphragm.

Laparoscopic Management of a Liver Endometrioma

Discover how laparoscopic McCall's culdoplasty provides essential apical support during hysterectomy, reducing prolapse risk and supporting long-term vaginal health.

Evidence-Led Approach to the Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis

Explore how an evidence-led approach improves outcomes in the surgical treatment of endometriosis, focusing on precision, patient care, and relief strategies.

An Approach to Apical Support: Laparoscopic McCall’s Culdoplasty

Discover how laparoscopic McCall's culdoplasty provides essential apical support during hysterectomy, reducing prolapse risk and supporting long-term vaginal health.

Demystifying the Hohl Uterine Manipulator: Review of the Evidence and Approach to Assembly and Insertion

Get an in-depth look at the Hohl uterine manipulator, with practical insights into assembly and insertion methods that enhance surgical outcomes and precision.

A Dead End: Deep Endometriosis and Silent Kidney Death

Uncover the hidden risks of deep endometriosis leading to silent kidney failure—exploring key symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and the urgent need for awareness.

Resection of Superficial Endometriosis: 3 Laparoscopic Techniques

Explore three laparoscopic techniques for resecting superficial endometriosis, each offering unique benefits to enhance patient outcomes and precision in treatment.

“Lost and Found” Navigating Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy a Stepwise Approach

Navigate the complexities of abdominal ectopic pregnancy with a structured, stepwise approach—exploring diagnostic hurdles, surgical precision, and patient care insights.

The Elusive endometriosis: A case report demonstrating the importance of surgical planning using transvaginal ultrasound

Delve into a compelling case of elusive endometriosis, showcasing how transvaginal ultrasound can revolutionize surgical planning and improve patient outcomes.

Intrauterine Adhesions and the Case of the Hidden Pregnancy

Uncover the mystery of hidden pregnancies caused by intrauterine adhesions—understand the challenges, symptoms, and treatments for this often-missed condition.

Orchidectomy in Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Discover how orchidectomy plays a critical role in Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome management, from timing considerations to health outcomes and long-term impacts

Imaging and Classification of Adenomyosis to Guide Management and Surgical Technique

Discover how advanced imaging and precise classification of adenomyosis can shape personalized treatment plans and improve surgical outcomes.

Abdominal Wall Endometriosis and Malignant Transformation

Discover how abdominal wall endometriosis can lead to malignant changes. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this insightful overview.

Hysteroscopic Resection of Endometrial Cancer

This video discusses the various levels and techniques of ultrasound in the setting of endometriosis and highlights specifics markers of endometriosis to investigate for.

Laparoscopic Surgical Management of Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy: The Retrograde Milking Technique

This video discusses the various levels and techniques of ultrasound in the setting of endometriosis and highlights specifics markers of endometriosis to investigate for.

Laparoscopic Excision of Pudendal Nerve Schwannoma and Pudendal Nerve Detrapment

This video discusses the various levels and techniques of ultrasound in the setting of endometriosis and highlights specifics markers of endometriosis to investigate for.

Placement of a Laparoscopic Transabdominal Cerclage in a TCTA Pregnancy and Repair of Uterine Dehiscence with Omental Patch

This video discusses the various levels and techniques of ultrasound in the setting of endometriosis and highlights specifics markers of endometriosis to investigate for.