Endometriosisis a chronic condition affecting up to 11% of people who menstruate.
About 6.5 million people in the United States have endometriosis.
Each month, the lining of the uterus sheds during your period.
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When endometrial cells grow on other organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, etc.
), they form lesions that swell, which can lead to severe pain, bleeding, and scarring.
This article discusses the types of bleeding associated with endometriosis and how to treat it.
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The Theory of Retrograde Menstruation
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown.
Blood and tissue from the uterus flow into the pelvic area.
When this happens, endometrial tissue can attach to other organs, leading to endometriosis.
Retrograde menstruation is relatively common.Many people who experience it do not have endometriosis.
Quantity
It is common for people with endometriosis to shedmore bloodeach month than the average period.
The excessive amount of blood is from tissue shed from the uterus.
An average period length is about five to seven days.
People with endometriosis often experience periods that last longer than seven days.
Internal Bleeding and Scar Tissue
Endometriosis growth can lead to scar tissue formation and internal bleeding.
After Sex
It is possible to experiencebleeding after sexwhen you have endometriosis.
You may also experience pelvic pain after sex.
Talk with your healthcare provider immediately if you experience heavy bleeding between periods.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help regulate your cycle.
Related Endometriosis Symptoms
Bleeding is not the only symptom because of endometriosis.
Other common symptoms may include:
What Is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosisis another chronic condition that affects the uterine lining and is often confused with endometriosis.
In endometriosis, cells from the uterine lining grow in other areas of the body.
In adenomyosis, cells from the uterus lining grow into the uterus’s muscular wall.
Natural Remedies
You may prefer to trynatural remediesbefore beginning prescription medications or other medical treatments.
They do not repair any damage that has already occurred but can stop endometriosis from worsening.
Hormonal birth control pills are not for everyone, and its important to discuss thepossible riskswith your healthcare provider.
This helps control the growth of endometrial tissue and improves pain and abnormal bleeding.
Surgery
Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery when other therapies cannot improve severe endometriosis symptoms.
Fortunately, there are daily practices that you’ve got the option to implement to start feeling better.
In addition to severe pain, endometriosis can cause heavy or abnormal bleeding.
It is possible to experience bleeding between periods, after sex, or with bowel movements.
Your periods may become heavier too.
Treatment includes natural remedies, hormonal therapies, and surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Being diagnosed with endometriosis is an overwhelming experience.
You may be feeling frustrated that this is happening to you.
It might be helpful to remember that endometriosis is treatable.
Many people find relief with hormonal birth control and over-the-counter pain medications.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and how best to address them.
Once you stop taking birth control, your endometriosis symptoms will return or worsen.
Bleeding from bowel endometriosis is rare.
Common endometriosis symptoms include pelvic pain, cramping, and heavy or irregular periods.
People with endometriosis may experience irregular periods.
You may notice that your menstrual cycle becomes either shorter or longer each month.
Its also possible to experience spotting or bleeding between periods.
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