Final answer:
The characteristic pain of endometriosis is intense pelvic pain, often worsening during menstruation, and not directly correlated to the amount of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Pain is caused by inflammation and scar tissue, and the condition is commonly associated with infertility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristic Pattern of Pain in Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue resembling the endometrium grows outside the uterus, resulting in various symptoms. Pelvic pain is the most characteristic symptom of endometriosis, which can be moderate to severe. It is not necessarily correlated with the quantity of endometrial tissue. Pain often intensifies during menstrual periods and may be accompanied by chronic pelvic pain, affecting nearly half of those with the condition.
Bleeding within the pelvic cavity can provoke inflammation, which in turn may lead to pain. Additionally, internal scar tissue may cause discomfort by binding organs together. Another considerable concern with endometriosis is infertility, affecting up to 50% of those diagnosed. Infertility may occur due to the presence of scar tissue or anatomical changes caused by the extra-uterine endometrial tissue growth.
While the exact cause of the tissue growth is not fully understood, retrograde menstruation is a commonly recognized physiological aspect. Surgical diagnosis can be made through laparoscopy. Treatment typically includes pain management through NSAIDs and surgery to excise abnormal tissue. Without complete removal, like in a hysterectomy, endometriosis has the potential to recur.