Gray tissue discharge

Causes and What it Means- K Health

Increased or abnormal grey vaginal discharge can indicate certain changes in your body chemistry or the presence of disease.

Grey-colored discharge is not typical of normal vaginal discharge, and usually suggests an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, or other issues.

In this article, I’ll discuss some of the causes for grey discharge and what they mean.

I’ll also go over what normal vaginal discharge should look like, provide a color guide for a quick reference to what discharge means, and when you should contact a doctor.

Grey Discharge Causes

The most common cause of grey vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis is the umbrella term for an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.

Bacterial imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors.

Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated easily with medication.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can often be caused by too much of the bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis.

Bacterial vaginosis infections associated with G. vaginalis are characterized by vaginal discharge that’s thin and grey, with a pH level over 4.5.

The specific cause of bacterial vaginosis isn’t known, but there are known risk factors, including but not limited to:

Having a new sexual partner
Having multiple sexual partners
Using douching products
Cigarette smoking
Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
Not using condoms

Although bacterial vaginosis often results from unprotected sex, it does not fall under the category of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because it is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, not the transmission of bacteria or viruses from a partner.

In rare cases, it can be found in patients who have never had intercourse.

If you have bacterial vaginosis and you have a partner with a penis, your partner does not need to be treated.

However, if you have a partner with a vagina, your partner might also have bacterial vaginosis and may also need to be treated.

The best practices to prevent bacterial vaginosis and general vaginal irritation include:

Washing your genital area with just water, not soap
Avoiding hygiene sprays, douching, and genital fragrances or powders
Wearing cotton underwear instead of synthetic fibers
Using condoms to avoid infections and STIs

Bacterial vaginosis symptoms

The first symptom most people report is a foul odor coming from their vagina that gets stronger after intercourse.

Other common symptoms include:

Grey or white discharge
Foamy or watery discharge
Pain or burning sensations during urination
Itching and irritation around the genitals

Symptoms may resemble those of a yeast infection.

Occasionally, the patient has no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis at all when it is diagnosed.

To diagnose bacterial vaginitis, your doctor may:

Ask you about your sexual history
Ask you about your medical history
Do a pelvic exam
Look at vaginal discharge
Examine discharge under a microscope (known as a wet mount)

Bacterial vaginosis treatments

Bacterial vaginosis can only be treated with prescription medication.

You cannot cure or heal it with over-the-counter medications.

The two medications used to treat bacterial vaginosis are clindamycin and metronidazole.

They both can be taken as an oral pill, or as a cream or gel suppository which is inserted into the vagina with an applicator tool.

Medications used to treat bacterial vaginosis are generally considered safe to use for pregnant women, but if you are pregnant, speak with your doctor first.

If you are not treated, having bacterial vaginosis increases your risk for other STIs, such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

It’s also associated with preterm delivery in pregnancies, and higher rates of miscarriage when a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis occurs in the first trimester.

A study found that vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis were more common during pregnancy, suggesting that vaginal bacterial screening as part of maternity care may aid in reducing the above consequences of vaginal infections.

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Other Causes of Grey Discharge

While the most common issue is bacterial vaginosis, other infections and diseases can also cause grey discharge.

Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are three STIs that can cause abnormal discharge as a symptom.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common STI in people ages 18-35.

Left long term without treatment, trichomoniasis can cause tissue damage in the cervix. Symptoms include:

Itching around the thighs, vagina and genital areas
Yellow-green or frothy vaginal discharge
Discomfort or pain during intercourse
Strong vaginal odor.

Both people with penises and people with vaginas can get trichomoniasis.

It’s treated using antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax).

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an STI that is highly prevalent in sexually active people ages 24 and under.

It’s typically asymptomatic, meaning most people don’t realize they have it.

Symptoms, when present, include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge
Burning sensations during urination
Rectal pain

Both people with penises and people with vaginas can get chlamydia in unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.

Children can be infected by chlamydia through vaginal birth if the mother is not treated.

Treatment options include azithromycin (which is safe during pregnancy) and doxycycline.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea infects over 1.5 million people in the United States each year.

It’s also commonly asymptomatic, meaning people who have it do not show symptoms.

Annual screening is recommended for those who are sexually active and 25 or younger to prevent complications from lack of treatment.

Symptoms of gonorrhea include:

Abnormal or increased vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
Painful or burning sensations during urination
Painful bowel movements

Both people with penises and people with vaginas can get gonorrhea.

It can usually be treated with antibiotics, though some strains are becoming drug-resistant.

Potential treatments include a single dose of ceftriaxone, or in the case of an allergy or other barrier, cefixime or gentamicin and azithromycin.

Other potential causes

Grey discharge is sometimes a symptom of vaginal cancer, which sometimes includes other changes in bathroom habits or pelvic or vaginal pain, especially when urinating or during sex.

If you have persistent grey vaginal discharge after treatment and have tested negative for the STIs listed above, see your doctor for further evaluation right away.

What Does Normal Discharge Look Like?

Discharge looks different depending on which stage of the menstrual cycle the person is in.

Most commonly, the discharge will be somewhere between clear to white or pale yellow in color, and can be either thin and slippery, or slightly sticky.

Knowing what your discharge looks like each week can help you identify abnormal discharge.

During your period, you may see less discharge or discharge that is colored anywhere from pink to brown from new or dried blood from your uterus, cervix and vagina.

After your period, you may see less or no discharge, or it might be cloudy or sticky.

Immediately before and during ovulation, discharge is typically thicker and feels stretchy or slippery.

In the days leading up to menstruation some people report reduced discharge.

Discharge Color Guide

The color of vaginal discharge can be a quick reference to see what’s going on in your vaginal health or menstrual cycle.

Here’s what each of the colors can be a sign of:

Clear

Healthy discharge
Pregnancy
Ovulation
Sexual stimulation

White

Healthy discharge
Pregnancy
Yeast infection

Yellow-green

Sexually transmitted infection

Pink-red

Spotting
Cervical bleeding
Irritation or bleeding from IUD
Sexually transmitted infection

Brown

Spotting, old blood
Endometrial or cervical cancer
Sexually transmitted infection

Grey

Bacterial vaginosis
Other infections

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When to See a Medical Provider

If you are experiencing grey vaginal discharge, contact your physician.

Any other sudden changes or abnormalities in your vaginal discharge should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

They will discuss the issue with you and may do some tests to determine a diagnosis.

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app?

Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when your vaginal discharge is grey?

Grey discharge is most commonly a sign of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance of bacteria that’s causing an infection. Grey discharge can also be a symptom of an STI such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. In rare cases, it can be a sign of vaginal cancer.

Is grey discharge normal?

No. Grey discharge is not normal and is a sign that something is amiss in your vaginal chemistry. If you have grey vaginal discharge, contact your healthcare provider to learn more.

Does grey discharge mean pregnancy?

No. Grey discharge is not a sign of pregnancy. Some common signs of pregnancy include white discharge, a late or missed period, nausea with or without vomiting, bloating, and tender breasts.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Aerobic Vaginitis in Late Pregnancy and Outcomes of Pregnancy. (2018).
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10096-018-3416-2
Bacterial Vaginosis. (2021).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/
Bacterial Vaginosis. (2019).
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis. (2017).
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/bacterial-vaginosis-bv
Characterization of Vaginal Discharge Among Women Complaining of Genital Tract Infection. (2012).
https://web.p.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=12c43434-b0aa-46e3-b475-6edd9f1d00c7%40redis
Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet. (2022).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm
Chlamydial Infection. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/chlamydia.htm
Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet. (2022).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-adults.htm
Primary Prevention Methods. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/clinical-primary.htm
Trichomoniasis. (2021).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001331.htm
Vaginal itching and Discharge - Adult and Adolescent. (2022).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm
Vaginitis. (2021).
https://medlineplus.gov/vaginitis.html
Vaginitis Test - Wet Mount. (2019).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003916.htm
Vulvovaginitis. (2020).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000897.htm
What Are the Symptoms? (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/vagvulv/basic_info/symptoms.htm
What Are the Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)? (2021).
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvag/conditioninfo/treatments

7 Period Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Life

by JR Thorpe

November 15, 2017

Samantha Gades/Unsplash

Your monthly friend, your Aunt Flo, your "gift" — your menstrual period, in other words — is, for many, a sign of a regular, healthy reproductive system. And it's important that you know what "normal" looks like for you, so that you can identify a pattern if your period begins to shift. But what period symptoms should you particularly watch for? Everything from consistency and clots to cramps and accompanying pain may provide a clue to underlying health conditions that you need to address.

The data scientists behind Clue, the period-tracking app that uses the menstrual cycle data its users submit to research menstrual science, are particularly interested in the potential confusion between periods and miscarriages. "If a person doesn’t know they are pregnant, and has a miscarriage around the time of an expected period, they will probably assume they are having a period as usual," they say. And if you're at risk of being pregnant, this is an important set of distinctions to be able to make. But period symptoms that deserve attention go beyond those related to miscarriages; they can also act as clues to endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory syndrome, fibroids and conditions that need to be checked out medically. So pay attention to your periods, friends, and if these symptoms show up, do not dismiss them out of hand.

Large Clots or Gray Tissue

Pixabay

This, according to the data scientists at Clue, may be a sign that you're not actually experiencing a period at all. Significant clots and the presence of gray-colored tissue can indicate that you're experiencing a miscarriage. "When a miscarriage occurs very early in pregnancy (for example, less than or equal to two weeks after an expected period)," the scientists tell Bustle, "it can be difficult to tell the difference between a normal menstrual period and miscarriage, especially if a person occasionally or regularly experiences heavy or painful periods. "

But, they add, "the later into a pregnancy a miscarriage occurs, the more it will differ from a menstrual period. Bleeding from later miscarriage will contain fetal tissue, and blood clots will likely be larger than during normal menstrual periods. The tissue will likely look different from menstrual blood in color (ex. gray), consistency/texture, and shape."

Serious Pain From Pelvis To Shoulders

If your period or a period-like bleed is accompanied by severe pain from your pelvis to your shoulders, along with abnormal bleeding, the Clue scientists say, you need to seek medical help immediately. "These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg attaches and grows somewhere other than the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube)," they explain. "Ectopic pregnancies are life-threatening and should be treated as medical emergencies." The phenomenon is rare, but it needs to be treated immediately using either drugs or surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy from the body.

Unexpectedly Heavy Flow

JEShoots/Pexels

If you have heavy flow that isn't usual for you, it's something that needs to be checked out. The Clue scientists point out that it can be a sign of miscarriage as well, but it may also indicate other issues, from endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus and "sheds" painfully during each menstrual cycle, to problems with uterine fibroids or polyps, your body's reaction to an IUD, or a hormonal imbalance that's causing excessive bleeding. Anything that's abnormal for you needs attention.

Cramping Out Of Nowhere

"Symptoms of both menstrual periods and miscarriage can include heavy bleeding, pain, and cramping," note the Clue scientists. Outside of that possibility, though, particular types of unexpected cramps can signify different health issues. A sharp pain on one side, for instance, might indicate that you have an ovarian torsion, an extremely painful condition that involves the ovary's blood flow being cut off. Seriously agonizing cramps may also indicate that you've developed fibroids in or around your uterus, creating more pressure on the lining and more problems as the uterus contracts to attempt to dispel its waste.

A Total Lack Of Blood

Tirachard Kumtanom/Pexels

Whether you've never really experienced blood or you suddenly notice there isn't any, this is a concern. "If it’s been more than two and a half years since breast development started and you are having symptoms of a period but seeing no blood, it’s time to head to your healthcare provider for assessment," Dr. Molly O'Shea explained for tampon brand Kotex. "Very rarely a girl can have periods and not see blood come out of the vagina because the hymen isn’t open." If you've had a period with blood before, a bloodless period might indicate over-exercizing, sudden weight loss, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or be a side effect of a new contraceptive.

Fever, Dizziness & Fainting

You should not be feeling feverish or miserably ill while you're on your period. That is not normal, and it could indicate an infection, like pelvic inflammatory disease, which is often contracted via sexually transmitted illnesses and involves infections of the reproductive organs. It can also be a sign of the rare condition known as toxic shock syndrome, which can be associated with tampon use and needs immediate medical attention. Whatever's happening, a fever of more than 102 degrees while on your period needs a GP or emergency room visit ASAP.

Problems With Going To The Bathroom

Burst/Pexels

If you suffer from serious pain while pooping on your period, it can be a sign that you have bowel endometriosis, in which the uterine tissue affects the bowel specifically and is shedding during the period. Rectal pain during your period from this condition can also occur when you're not on the toilet at all, which is extremely unhelpful. Endometriosis is a serious health condition, so if you feel embarrassed about talking about your butt, take a friend or supportive family member and find a healthcare provider who makes you feel comfortable. (Trust me, they do not care — and they do need to know.)

Some of us can feel uncomfortable or hesitant in divulging period details to our doctors or gynecologists, but we shouldn't. They're signs as to what's happening in our bodies, and there are certain period symptoms that act as big red flags (pun intended) that shouldn't be ignored or set aside.

Discharge from the ear or otorrhea

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Symptoms
Discharge from the ear, or. ..

Allergy

Fungus

Otitis

Sulfur plug

Mastoiditis

Tympanic membrane rupture

Otomycosis

12844 June 24

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Discharge from the ear: causes, what diseases occur, diagnosis and treatment.

Definition

Earwax is a physiological secretion from the ear canal and protects the hearing aid from harmful bacteria. It consists of fat, fatty acids and fat-like substances, as well as various mineral salts. Normally, a person produces 15–20 mg of earwax during the month, which looks like a sticky yellow-brown mass. All other discharges are considered pathological and indicate ear diseases.

Types of discharge from the ear

Discharge may be clear, white, light or dark yellow, greenish (if pus is present). If blood enters the ear secretion, the discharge becomes reddish or brownish in color.

The discharge may be watery in consistency, have a cheesy or flaky texture, and may sometimes form crusts.

An unpleasant smell of discharge due to the presence of pus in them can serve as a diagnostic sign.

What diseases and conditions cause discharge from the ear

Sulfur plugs . Excessive work of the sulfur glands leads to the formation of a sulfur plug. Most often, this problem occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol levels in the blood. The formation of sulfur plugs provokes an increased viscosity of sulfur, dry skin, small foreign particles (for example, industrial dust) entering the ear, as well as excessive hair growth in the ear canal. Often, sulfur plugs are observed in people involved in water sports, using hearing aids, miniature headphones.

With improper hygiene measures and independent attempts to remove excess earwax, there is a risk of pushing it deeper into the ear canal, thereby causing a plug to form.

Clinical signs of sulfur plug are pain and stuffiness of the ear, tinnitus, especially painful when sulfur comes into contact with the eardrum, sometimes headache, dizziness, nausea.

Mucopurulent and purulent discharge is a symptom of inflammation of the outer and middle ear. In inflammation external ear (otitis externa) pathological process can develop in the auricle and external auditory canal (up to the tympanic membrane). Most often, external otitis occurs against the background of infection of the ear with bacteria and microscopic fungi. Its first signs are, as a rule, pain in the ear, itching, less often - hearing loss and a feeling of fullness. Mucopurulent discharge appears only with a common form of the inflammatory process throughout the auditory canal.

The source of purulent discharge in the outer ear can also be a boil located in the shell or ear canal. With otitis media mucopurulent and purulent discharge results from infection of sterile effusion from inflamed ear tissues. Since the chamber of the middle ear is closed by the tympanic membrane, purulent discharge may appear in the outer ear only after the formation of a hole in it. This is preceded by severe pain in the ear, fever, hearing loss, and in children - overexcitation, sometimes vomiting.

When mastoiditis (inflammatory lesion of the mastoid process of the temporal bone), purulent discharge from the ear also appears. As a rule, this disease develops as a complication of otitis media and is accompanied by fever, soreness and swelling in the mastoid process behind the ear.

Clear bloody or purulent discharge occurs in acute infectious myringitis (inflammation of the eardrum), which may be of fungal or bacterial origin. Bubbles filled with blood form on the surface of the eardrum, which then burst. In addition to discharge, ear congestion is observed.

Transparent, colorless or slightly pinkish discharge from the ear may be the result of liquorrhea - the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. It enters the auricle in case of skull fractures (often temporal) due to trauma.

In addition, transparent watery discharge sometimes accompanies allergic otitis media , which is also characterized by other signs - itching, ear congestion.

Unaltered blood appears from the ear, usually after injury and rupture of the eardrum .

Such an injury can be caused by acoustic and mechanical shocks, as well as due to improper hygiene procedures. A ruptured eardrum is always accompanied by severe pain.

The appearance of bloody-purulent discharge from the ear is one of the evidences of the presence of a polyp on the tympanic membrane or mucous membrane of the middle ear . A polyp is an overgrowth of tissue in response to its irritation. The appearance of a polyp is preceded by active inflammation of the middle ear. In addition, polyps can be the result of myringitis, otitis externa, malignant neoplasms. Perforating the tympanic membrane, the polyp can protrude into the area of the external auditory canal, leading to hearing loss.

Insignificant secretions, sometimes forming crusts and having an unpleasant odor, are characteristic of cholesteatoma - a tumor-like formation formed from the epidermis of the ear canal. In most cases, cholesteatoma complicates chronic purulent epitympanitis and is formed from layers of keratinized epidermis, water, proteins, fats and cholesterol. The formation of cholesteatoma is accompanied by feelings of heaviness and fullness in the ear, headache. If left untreated, it can gradually invade the mastoid process and the cranial cavity.

At otomycosis loose curdled discharge is observed. The main culprits of the disease are molds (often localized in the outer ear) and yeast-like fungi (more often inhabiting the middle ear). Clinical signs of otitis externa in these cases include pain and colored cheesy-necrotic discharge from the ear. Patients complain of tinnitus and dizziness.

Discharge that contains large, fatty flakes, sometimes mixed with pus, is characteristic of seborrheic ear dermatitis . The disease can affect not only the ear, but also the scalp. Clinical signs are severe itching, swelling of the auricle, peeling of the skin and weeping wounds.

Clear discharge mixed with blood (sanitary discharge) indicates bullous or influenza-like otitis media . Bullae (vesicles with fluid) occur on the surface of the ear canal and eardrum. When they burst, the liquid with the ichor flows out through the ear canal into the auricle.

Which doctor to contact for ear discharge

In most cases, ear diseases are characterized by a clear clinical picture, which is based on pain. These patients are treated by an otorhinolaryngologist.

In the presence of a traumatic brain injury, which is accompanied by liquorrhea, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Otherwise, a poor prognosis is possible.

Discharge from the ear is not always accompanied by pain, in particular with allergic otitis, which is treated by

therapist

pediatrician

and

allergist-immunologist

Diagnosis and examination of ear discharge

If wax plug is suspected, the doctor performs an otoscopy, during which a build-up of wax in the ear canal is detected. Diagnosis of otitis externa and otitis media is carried out on the basis of patient complaints, otoscopy, palpation of the parotid region. It is recommended to sow discharge from the ear to determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to antibiotics. Perhaps an audiometric study.

Ear culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Bacteriophage Efficiency testing

Synonyms: Ear Culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Bacteriophage Efficiency testing. Brief description of the study "Sowing of discharge from the ear on the microflora, determination of sensi...

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Traumatic brain injury, which is accompanied by liquorrhea, is diagnosed using radiography and CT.

X-ray of the skull

X-ray examination of the skull to detect structural and integrity disorders of the skull bones of various nature.

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CT scan of the brain and skull

Scanning of the brain, skull and surrounding tissues, which allows diagnosing various pathologies.

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To diagnose cholesteatoma and mastoiditis, the doctor performs otoscopy and radiography.

X-ray of the mastoid processes

X-ray examination of the mastoid process of the temporal bone to assess its integrity and identify other pathology.

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If otomycosis is suspected, endomicroscopic (examination of the ear under an operating microscope) and microbiological examination of ear discharge using microscopy and culture are recommended. Diagnosis of bullous otitis media includes sowing fluid from the ear, audio and tympanometry, and radiation examination methods. It is also possible to use serological methods of blood analysis.

Ear culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility, enlarged testing

Synonyms: Ear Culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility, enlarged testing. Brief description of the study “Sowing of discharge from the ear on the microflora and determination of sensitive...

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2 775 RUB

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What to do if there is discharge from the ear

If clear discharge from the ear appeared after an injury, urgent hospitalization is necessary.

If there is an increased excretion of sulfur, you should seek the help of an ENT doctor who will recommend proper care and personal hygiene methods acceptable at home.

It is strongly not recommended to clean the ear canal with the help of items not intended for this purpose.

Treatment for ear discharge

If a sulfur plug is detected, the doctor removes it, after softening it with special preparations. Remove plugs by lavage or aspiration and curettage.

Irrigation is possible only in the absence of contraindications, which the doctor will definitely inform about (perforation of the tympanic membrane, otitis externa).

Treatment for otitis media may include pain relief, physiotherapy, and etiotropic therapy, depending on the causative agent of the disease. The allergic nature of ear discharge requires the use of antihistamines. Cholesteatoma is treated only with surgery.

Sources:

Clinical guidelines "Acute otitis media". Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. – 2021.
Morozova S.V. Ear wax: topical issues of norm and pathology in clinical practice. breast cancer. No. 3 (II), 2018, pp. 53–57.
Clinical guidelines "Chronic otitis media". Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. – 2021.

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What is endometriosis - symptoms and treatment of endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

You've probably heard this word, but what exactly is endometriosis? The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus that is shed and expelled every month along with the blood during menstruation. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the one that lines the inside of the uterus begins to grow elsewhere in the body. The body will try to get rid of such tissue, but since there is nowhere for it to go, it can cause severe pain.

Such overgrown tissue is found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, inside the abdominal cavity, and even in the intestines and bladder [1]. And this disease can affect not only the physical condition. “For me, endometriosis has its own mental and emotional consequences,” one woman told us.

What causes endometriosis?

Genetics and certain environmental toxins [2] are possible causes of endometriosis. There are also problems in the body that increase the risk of endometriosis, such as infectious diseases of the pelvic organs or the so-called retrograde menstruation. This is a condition in which menstrual blood begins to flow "in the opposite direction" - not from the vagina, but back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. This blood contains endometrial cells, which then adhere to the walls of the pelvis and other organs, where they continue to thicken and bleed during each menstrual cycle.

Signs and symptoms of endometriosis

Signs and symptoms of endometriosis vary - some women may have severe symptoms, while others may have little or no symptoms [3]. Symptoms can be severe fatigue, frequent exacerbations of thrush and even infertility. You can learn more in our article on how endometriosis can affect fertility.

Your period with endometriosis

When you start your period, your body tells your uterus to get rid of the endometrium. If you have endometriosis, there is nowhere for the tissue outside the uterus to go, unlike the tissue inside the uterus that comes out of the vagina with your period. This leads to very heavy periods, as well as inflammation and severe pain in the abdomen and pelvis. In some cases, adhesions or cysts may appear.

Endometriosis pain

Another symptom of endometriosis is pain. It can be pain in the lower abdomen or back that gets worse during your period, during or after sex, severe menstrual pain that interferes with your daily activities, pain when having a bowel movement or urinating during your period. You may even feel nauseous, suffer from constipation, diarrhea, or notice blood in your urine during your period. All of this may look intimidating, but it is your body's way of letting you know that something is going on that needs to be addressed.

How is endometriosis treated?

Although endometriosis is a chronic condition (that is, it persists for a long time), there are ways to manage it. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are often used to relieve pain. Combination birth control pills, which stop the release of an egg from the ovary, may also help. At the same time, menstruation becomes less abundant and less painful [1]. But before taking any medications, be sure to consult your doctor.

In terms of surgical treatment, removal of endometriosis lesions through laparoscopic surgery can relieve symptoms and improve fertility [1]. Some women ultimately decide to have their uterus removed [1].

Diagnosis of endometriosis

Endometriosis can be accompanied by various symptoms, and it takes years to make a diagnosis - an average of 7.5 years [4]. Some women with endometriosis suffer from symptoms that are difficult to manage and prevent them from living a full life. Even just a diagnosis can bring relief.

The only way to accurately diagnose endometriosis is to examine the pelvic area with a laparoscope. But before that, you may need a general and vaginal examination, ultrasound and blood tests - or a combination of both.

Where to go for help and support

Although women suffer from endometriosis everywhere, many do not get the support they need. This is because the condition often goes undiagnosed, and when it is, it is misunderstood as just “really severe menstrual pain.” As a result, there is a feeling that you are ignored, and your pain is not taken seriously.

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