Complications and Risks of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is not usually life-threatening, but it can affect health, fertility and quality of life. Many complications can be reduced with good care.

Common complications

• Chronic pelvic pain that affects work, school, sleep and relationships.
• Fertility problems. Endometriosis is found in many women having difficulty conceiving. Scarring, ovarian cysts and inflammation can affect the tubes, ovaries and eggs. Many women still conceive, with or without treatment.
• Ovarian endometriomas ("chocolate cysts"). They can grow, cause pain, affect ovarian reserve, and sometimes rupture or twist. Sudden severe pain with fainting, vomiting or fever needs urgent care.
• Adhesions. Scar tissue can bind organs together, and cause pain and bowel or bladder problems.
• Bowel and bladder involvement. Deep disease can cause painful bowel movements, blood in stool during periods, painful urination, and in rare cases blockage.
• Anaemia from heavy bleeding, with tiredness and weakness.
• Mental health effects. Anxiety, low mood, isolation and fatigue are common, and deserve proper support.
• Pregnancy risks. Women with endometriosis have a somewhat higher chance of some pregnancy complications, so antenatal care should mention it.

Cancer

The overall risk of ovarian cancer is slightly higher in women with endometriosis, but the absolute risk remains low. Most women with endometriosis do not develop cancer. Report any new or changing symptoms and keep follow-up visits.

When to get urgent help

Sudden severe abdominal pain, fainting, fever, persistent vomiting, very heavy bleeding, or inability to pass urine or stool.

How to lower the risk

Early diagnosis, steady treatment, follow-up of ovarian cysts, early fertility advice if you wish to conceive, and mental health support.

Home or herbal care should not delay the evaluation of severe symptoms.