This can cause pain, irregular periods, andinfertility.
This is a condition called sciatic endometriosis.
People with sciatic endometriosis often experience leg pain and weakness around the time of their menstrual cycle.
Sumetee Theesungnern / EyeEm / Getty Images
Sumetee Theesungnern / EyeEm / Getty Images
How Does Endometriosis Affect the Sciatic Nerve?
Rarely, endometrial tissue can grow in different parts of the body.
When endometrial lesions put pressure on the sciatic nerve, they can cause irritation and inflammation.
Like other types ofendometriosis, sciatic endometriosis can lead to severe pelvic pain and make it harder to conceive.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica, or lumbar radiculopathy, refers to leg pain and weakness resulting from pressure on the sciatic nerve.
The pain is often one-sided.It may involve tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation.
The most common signs and symptoms of sciatic endometriosis include:
How Common Is Sciatic Endometriosis?
Up to 50% of people with endometriosis experience leg pain at some point.
However, sciatic endometriosis itselfin which endometrial implants grow around the sciatic nerveis relatively rare.
Gentle exercise, physical therapy, and applying heat or cold to the affected area may also help.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe hormonal treatment to prevent new endometrial implants from growing.
In rare, severe cases, ahysterectomy(surgical removal of the uterus) may be necessary.
Over time, sciatic endometriosis may cause nerve damage.
Therefore, its important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Reach out to an ob-gyn (a medical doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology) for an infertility evaluation.
This leads to leg pain, especially before and during eachmenstrual cycle.
Treatment for sciatic endometriosis typically involves taking medication or undergoing physical therapy for pain relief.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Endometriosis.
2018;7(2):81-85. doi:10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_24_18
World Health Organization.Endometriosis.
doi:10.1093/jscr/rjab512
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sciatica.
2019;19(1):95. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0796-0
MedlinePlus.Sciatica.
Center for Endometriosis Care.Sciatic endometriosis.
2016;20(7):1044-57. doi:10.1002/ejp.827
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Evaluating infertility.
