Does having sex cause endometriosis?

No, having sexual intercourse does not cause endometriosis.

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found in sites outside the uterus. The misplaced tissue implants itself onto the surface of the tissue or organ where it has been deposited and begins to grow and function.

Symptoms of endometriosis can include severe period pain, abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, pain during intercourse, bowel or bladder symptoms, infertility, premenstrual symptoms, tiredness, mood changes and bloating.

There is no simple test to diagnose endometriosis. The only sure way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is a minor operation performed under a general anaesthetic, where a small telescope (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen through a hole cut in the belly button. The laparoscope has a lens at one end which magnifies and lights up the pelvic organs, so that the gynaecologist can look for endometrial implants and cysts within the pelvis.

It is not possible to accurately diagnose endometriosis from your symptoms and an external examination alone. The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely and many of them are easily confused with other conditions. For example, many women experiencing bowel symptoms are first misdiagnosed with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon.

There are other (non surgical) tests that a gynaecologist may perform, including a pelvic examination, ultrasound, Ca125 ovarian tumour marker, MRI scan or a gynaecological exam, however none of these are able to definitely confirm endometriosis.

If you think you have endometriosis, I would recommend that you consult with your doctor or a gynaecologist for further evaluation.

Good luck :)

No

What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, the tissue that lines the uterus and is shed during menstruation, grows outside of the uterus鈥攐n the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments supporting the uterus, and other areas in the pelvic cavity. Endometriosis can also appear in a woman's bladder, bowel, vagina, or other places in her body.

Like the lining of the uterus, these areas of endometrial tissue respond to the hormones of the menstrual cycle鈥攖hey build up tissue each month, then break down and bleed during menstruation. But unlike the uterus lining, when these endometrial implants (also called growths or lesions) outside the uterus bleed, they can irritate a woman's body.

What causes endometriosis?
Despite continued medical research and investigation, the exact cause of endometriosis is unclear. But, there are several theories, including:

The Retrograde Menstruation Theory
This is the most widely accepted theory for the cause of endometriosis. During "retrograde menstruation," a woman's menstrual flow backs up through her fallopian tubes, implants in her abdomen, and grows. Some experts believe that all women experience retrograde menstruation, but that women with endometriosis may have either a hormonal or an immune system problem, and as a result, the implants are allowed to grow.

Absolutely not.
However, being on the birth control pill can help control the symptoms of endometriosis, as can being pregnant.

Nope. Whoever told you that was wrong.