Endometriosis is a condition that causes tissue growth outside of the uterus. It often causes pelvic adhesions (scarring) on the organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, notes the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Adhesions cause mild to severe pain. Diagnosing adhesions is challenging because they cannot be detected during a pelvic exam. A laparoscopy is often required to identify adhesions, according to the University of North Carolina Medical School.
Pain Limits Quality of Life
Adhesions due to endometriosis often cause pain that interferes with quality of life, particularly in women during the age of the child bearing years. The pain is often caused by the pelvic adhesions that connect organs that are usually separate from each other. The pain will sometimes interfere with ability to perform daily tasks and focus on work issues. The Cleveland Clinic reports that most patients experience pain relief with surgical removal of the endometriosis. Adhesions are sometimes also treated via a hysterectomy.
Sexual Problems
Adhesions due to endometriosis can impede the patient's ability to enjoy sexuality, notes the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Strong pain can occur during intercourse due to the adhesions. As endometriosis becomes more severe and more adhesions develop, the pain felt in the pelvic region during sexual activity will often increase. Keeping a log of where the pain occurs during sexual activity can help the doctor pinpoint the location of endometriosis.
Fertility Issues
Endometriosis and pelvic adhesions can impair fertility. Infertility can occur when the adhesions block a fallopian tube and prevent the egg and sperm from meeting, notes the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Adhesions on the ovaries may also block proper functioning of the ovaries, which will also impede fertility. Infertility is a typical symptom of adhesions due to endometriosis.
Bowel Function Problems
Adhesions from endometriosis can cause scarring on the bowels and limit bowel movements. The adhesions will cause pain and hinder normal function of the bowels, notes the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Bowel problems due to adhesions may come on suddenly or develop more gradually.
Emotional Upset
Adhesions due to endometriosis can cause emotional upset. Many young women start to experience endometriosis in their twenties and thirties, at a time when they are not expecting any illness. In addition, when pain occurs in the pelvic region due to endometriosis and adhesions, worries about fertility issues often become overwhelming emotionally, notes WomensHealth.gov.
