{"id":22616,"date":"2025-05-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-17T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalwomanhood.org\/?p=22616"},"modified":"2025-08-04T13:50:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T18:50:54","slug":"endometriose-silencieuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalwomanhood.org\/fr\/silent-endometriosis\/","title":{"rendered":"L'endom\u00e9triose \"silencieuse\" : Une cause cach\u00e9e d'infertilit\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Silent endometriosis is a hidden struggle, an invisible battle waged within. Unlike traditional endometriosis, which often manifests with debilitating pain and obvious symptoms, silent <\/em>endometriosis lurks undetected, manifesting via mild abdominal or pelvic discomfort or no symptoms at all. Yet, despite its quiet nature, silent endo\u2019s effects can be profound, impacting fertility, organ function, and overall health. Here, we\u2019ll discuss the elusive nature of silent endo, its diagnosis, implications for fertility, and treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is endometriosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Endometriosis, commonly known as \u201cendo,\u201d affects between 6-10% of women worldwide and is a leading cause of infertility [1]. Tissue similar to that of the uterine lining (known as the endometrium) grows outside<\/em> the uterus on other organs in the pelvic area (and, though uncommon, can even grow on organs higher up in the chest cavity<\/a>, too). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the uterus sloughs off its lining during \u201cthat time of the month,\u201d endometriosis tissue similarly breaks down and bleeds. However, unlike period blood and tissue, endo blood and tissue has no way of exiting the body<\/em>. Instead, it remains in its current location (such as the abdominal cavity), leading over time to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions\u2014bands of tissue that can cause body organs to stick together. Severe pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, especially during the menstrual cycle, though there are many other symptoms <\/a>as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under-diagnosis and delayed diagnosis plague endometriosis sufferers<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While endo is common, it remains poorly understood. It takes, on average, 8-12 years<\/strong> from first symptoms to diagnosis<\/a> (and may only be diagnosed as part of an infertility workup, for those who never had symptoms). This may be in part because so many doctors are quick to put their patients on hormonal birth control. Birth control may successfully mask painful symptoms, but does not actually treat the underlying issue. Laparoscopic surgery is the only<\/em> definitive way to diagnose endometriosis, silent or otherwise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s much we don\u2019t know about what causes endo<\/a>, but some research suggests an autoimmune component, and\/or estrogen dominance. Retrograde menstruation (where menstrual blood flows back into the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity) as well as bacterial infection and immune dysfunction are also theorized causes<\/a>, and there may be a heritable component. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is silent<\/em> endo?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While endometriosis typically causes severe period pain, around 20-25% of patients are asymptomatic [1]. These women experience \u201csilent\u201d endometriosis [1]. They may experience no symptoms at all, or <\/em>the symptoms they do experience may be attributed to other conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not ____, it\u2019s endometriosis<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some conditions with which endo symptoms<\/a> may be confused<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n