Endometriosis occurs when an individual has endometrial-like tissue growing outside of the uterus. The condition causes symptoms like significant pelvic pain or fatigue, but it can also exist without symptoms. This is known as silent endometriosis. To promote awareness of asymptomatic endometriosis, here is some information about identifying, diagnosing, and treating the condition:
What Is Silent Endometriosis?
Like symptomatic endometriosis, silent endometriosis occurs when tissue grows outside of the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvis. The abnormal tissue growth can cause noticeable discomfort for many patients, but approximately 20-25% of individuals with the condition are asymptomatic. This means they don’t experience the typical symptoms, like pain during menstruation or intercourse. Even if women don’t have obvious symptoms, the abnormal tissue growths still have the potential to cause structural damage. Endometrial tissue can cause scarring, adhesions, ovarian cysts, or blocked fallopian tubes.
Are There Symptoms Associated With This Condition?
Women with silent endometriosis may only experience mild symptoms, leading them to associate the discomfort with something else, such as regular period pains. Some women present with no symptoms at all. Here are some signs that an individual may have endometriosis:
Unexplained Infertility
Silent endometriosis is a contributor to unexplained infertility in women. Even if it doesn’t cause pain, endometriosis may lead to the formation of scar tissue or adhesions that alter the shape or position of reproductive organs. This can block or impair the movement of eggs or sperm during conception attempts. Endometriosis may also disrupt normal immune function, interfering with embryo implantation.
Pain During Urination
Endometriosis causes inflammation around tissue growths, and this irritates nearby nerves. If endometrial adhesions form on the surface or wall of the bladder, they can irritate the lining and lead to pain or burning sensations during urination. These symptoms may be intermittent or mistaken for urinary tract infections.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a possible symptom of asymptomatic endometriosis. This is because pain originating in the pelvis or reproductive organs can radiate to the lower back. Endometriosis-related back pain may be mistaken for muscle strain, poor posture, or general menstrual discomfort.
Fatigue or Digestive Issues
Some individuals experience pelvic discomfort or abdominal cramping that interferes with restful sleep. Endometrial tissue on or around the intestines can mimic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, like bloating, gas, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea. Fatigue and digestive problems are symptoms of many conditions, so doctors may not link them to endometriosis immediately. This is especially true when other common symptoms, like severe pelvic pain, are absent.
How Do I Test for Endometriosis?
Because silent endometriosis doesn’t present clear warning signs, it can go undiagnosed for years. Some individuals discover they have the condition while undergoing procedures for other issues, such as ovarian cysts or infertility. Comprehensive health evaluations help prevent delayed diagnosis.
A diagnostic tool that helps doctors identify endometriosis is the BCL6 test. BCL6 is a biomarker associated with inflammation in the uterus. Elevated BCL6 levels in the endometrial lining are linked to endometriosis, particularly in infertility cases. This test is less invasive than other diagnostic procedures, such as laparoscopy. The biomarker test is often performed via an endometrial biopsy. A positive result may indicate the presence of endometriosis-related inflammation. An endometriosis diagnosis guides further evaluation or treatment methods.
How Is the Condition Treated?
Several treatment options exist for endometriosis, including medications, surgery, and fertility support. Medications won’t cure the condition, but they aim to manage inflammation and reduce the spread of lesions. Some medication options include birth control pills and progestins. Birth control medications help regulate or eliminate menstruation to reduce endometrial activity. Progestins thin the uterine lining and suppress endometrial growth.
Some patients schedule surgery to locate and remove endometrial tissue. Laparoscopic surgery is also used to confirm a diagnosis of silent endometriosis. Removing endometrial adhesions may improve fertility outcomes and reduce the risk of condition progression. Some fertility support treatments for women with endometriosis include IVF and IUI procedures.
Ask Your Doctor About BCL6 Testing
Silent endometriosis presents with mild or no symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. Undiagnosed endometriosis can lead to treatment delays, condition progression, and unexplained infertility. Timely intervention helps improve women’s quality of life and reproductive outcomes. If you suspect you have silent endometriosis, ask your doctor about a BCL6 test today.
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