It is estimated that as many as 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have endometriosis. On the other hand, research shows that 4 to 20 percent of women have PCOS. Although endometriosis and PCOS are common health problems, people often confuse one with the other or vice versa. But what exactly are the differences?
The difference between endometriosis and PCOS
Both endometriosis and PCOS are associated with the menstrual cycle and fertility problems, making it easy to confuse them. Yet they are very different and it is important to understand the unique symptoms and treatments.
Wrong information can be harmful. For people with these health problems, it can even lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
What is Endometriosis?
“Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus are present all over the body,” explains Dr. Gaby Moawad, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University. Huffpost. This means that tissue grows in, among other things, the ovaries, fallopian tubes and long pelvis. Since the tissue grows outside your uterus, it cannot shed like the tissue inside your uterus does during your period. This causes severe pelvic pain, extra pain during sex and your period, nausea, bloating and even pain during urination or problems with your bowel movements. If that’s not annoying enough, endometriosis can also increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Symptoms to watch out for in endometriosis
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during your period
- Pain during sex
- Nausea
- A bloated feeling
- Pain when urinating
- Problems with your bowel movements
Wat is PCOS?
According to Moawad, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, by definition, irregular ovulation. It is a health condition in which the ovaries “produce excess male hormones in the body.” Since your hormones are out of balance, you suffer from irregular or infrequent periods, weight gain, acne, cysts on your ovaries and excessive body hair.
In addition, people with PCOS regularly develop other serious health problems. For example, you can become resistant to insulin, have trouble losing weight or suffer from acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition in which the skin turns darker.
Symptoms to watch out for with PCOS
- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Cysts on your ovaries
- Excessive (and dark) body hair
Some Similarities Between Endometriosis and PCOS
Although endometriosis and PCOS are completely different health problems, Moawad says it’s not surprising that they are confused. There are therefore a few similarities between the two conditions. Both involve a chronic inflammatory pattern. Both conditions can cause fertility problems, with an unwanted delay in getting pregnant.
But while PCOS is a common cause of infertility, endometriosis typically causes more complicated fertility issues. This is, as Moawad explains, “because endometriosis not only affects the quality of eggs and ovaries, but also creates scar tissue that can block the fallopian tubes and damage the uterus.” It is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility.
What are the treatments for PCOS?
Neither PCOS nor endometriosis can be cured, but the symptoms can be managed with different treatment methods.
PCOS often uses drugs that can stimulate ovulation or address the possible hormonal imbalance. Also, certain vitamins can be used to address any nutritional deficiencies that can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. But the most important thing with PCOS is to address the lifestyle habits of the patient. Healthy eating and sufficient exercise can work wonders.
What treatments help with endometriosis?
For people with endometriosis, surgical treatment is often necessary. People experiencing severe pain or fertility problems may choose to have a laparoscopy. This is a procedure in which a surgeon uses a laparoscope to find areas of endometriosis and remove any scar tissue. Hormonal therapy such as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the contraceptive pill or a hormonal coil is also often prescribed for endometriosis.
Keep an eye on. Moawad says these treatment methods tend to suppress symptoms for a period of time, but they don’t cure the condition. Also surgical procedures are not always permanent. Unfortunately, 80 percent of women experience pain again within two years of surgery.
When to see a doctor?
While many people think of endometriosis and PCOS as minor conditions, it’s important to know that both are (or can be) serious health conditions that can be detrimental to a person’s day-to-day life in their own way. Do you recognize yourself in the symptoms above? Then visit the doctor to get more clarity about your complaints.