People often associate endometriosis with extreme discomfort in the pelvis and abdomen. Specific presentations of this condition may cause endometriosis pain on the right side only.

In a person with endometriosis, tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Endometrial tissue can cause an inflammatory response. It can lead to adhesions and cause intense pain relative to its location.

This article explores what it means when people experience endometriosis pain on the right side only, and answers frequently asked questions about the condition.

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There are multiple reasons why a person with endometriosis may experience pain on the right side.

Endometriosis pain is relative to the location of endometrial tissue. Experiencing pain on the right side may mean that endometrial cells are active in that area.

Endometrial cells can cluster anywhere in the body. For example, they may be present on the right ovary, fallopian tube, or parts of the gastrointestinal tract, possibly causing pain on the right side.

A person with endometriosis may also experience ovulation pain on one side of the body.

Endometriosis pain may increase during a person’s menstrual cycle, during or after sex, or while urinating or defecating.

It is best for a person to contact a doctor if they experience long-term pain on the right side that may be connected to endometriosis.

There are multiple reasons why a person with endometriosis might experience pain on the right side only.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis

While many tissues and structures are on the body’s right side, diaphragmatic endometriosis, in particular, may cause pain in that region.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells infiltrate the diaphragm, the large muscle responsible for regulating intrathoracic pressures.

Approximately 95% of endometriosis lesions on the diaphragm occur on the right side.

This does not mean experiencing pain on the right side is always a sign the diaphragm is involved.

Lesions on the right side

If a person has endometriosis lesions or adhesions on one side of the body, it may cause pain in that area.

As endometriosis can affect any organ, a person with pain on the right side may have endometriosis tissue on the right ovary or fallopian tube, for example.

Ovulation pain

Ovulation pain can be a symptom of endometriosis. Ovulation pain can feel like a dull cramp or a sudden stabbing pain.

People usually feel ovulation pain on either the left or right-hand side of the abdomen. The location depends on which ovary is releasing an egg.

Endometrioma

Endometriosis that infiltrates the right ovary can lead to an endometrioma, a painful fluid-filled cyst that may cause pain in the right side of the pelvis.

Endometriosis can affect everyone differently. Not all people experience pain or can pinpoint where their discomfort is coming from.

Severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation, is one of the most common symptoms.

Other signs of endometriosis include:

Extreme pelvic pain is not a natural part of menstruation.

Cramping is expected, and periods may cause bloating and mild discomfort, but unbearable pain is not typical.

Consulting a doctor is recommended if periods are extremely painful, bleeding is irregular, or pain is present with intercourse or bathroom use.

Severe menstrual or pelvic pain can be a sign of endometriosis — but that is just one possible diagnosis associated with those symptoms. Visiting a doctor is the only way to rule out other underlying causes.

Is endometriosis ever an emergency?

Endometriosis is not directly life threatening. It is a type of benign cellular growth that is not cancerous.

Rarely, endometriosis may pose a medical emergency if it grows enough to obstruct the urinary tract or the bowels.

Severe endometriosis pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications can also be treated in an emergency setting.

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but symptoms can be managed through various medications and surgical approaches.

Endometriosis treatment options include:

Pain medications and hormone therapies can help reduce pain and bleeding. When symptoms are severe, surgery can remove affected tissues.

Unfortunately, endometriosis cells are not always visible to the naked eye. Removing them completely may not be possible, and pain may persist even with surgical intervention.

Endometriosis is not considered a fatal condition. It is associated with decreased fertility and a higher risk of miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies.

Treatment success ranges widely. Approximately 5–59% of people report pain that continues throughout therapy, and many experience pain recurrence post-treatment.

Approximately 190 million people live with endometriosis.

Resources and support networks are available by visiting the following:

Endometriosis is a complex, often mysterious condition. Read on to find answers to commonly asked questions about endometriosis pain.

Where is the most common area of pain in endometriosis?

Pain in endometriosis most commonly occurs in the pelvic region.

What can mimic endometriosis pain?

Endometriosis symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as:

What is endometriosis in the right ovary?

Endometriosis that infiltrates the right ovary can lead to the formation of an endometrioma, a fluid-filled cyst. It is associated with severe endometriosis and can cause right-sided pain symptoms.

Endometriosis pain on the right side only may be a sign of diaphragmatic endometriosis, endometrioma, or general endometriosis lesions in that area of the body.

While endometriosis has no cure, hormone therapies, pain medications, and surgical procedures can help relieve symptoms.