Endometriosis in Men – What You Need to Know

Endometriosis is a word you’ve probably heard before, usually tied to women’s health. It’s a condition that affects millions, causing pain and frustration, but here’s the twist—it’s not just for women. Yes, guys can get endometriosis too! It’s super rare, but it happens, and when it does, it can turn a man’s life upside down. So, can guys really get endometriosis? How does it show up in men? And what can you do if you think it might be happening to you or someone you care about?

In this article, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about endometriosis in men. We’ll break down what it is, why it’s usually linked to women, and how it sneaks into men’s lives in rare cases. We’ll cover the symptoms, causes, how doctors figure it out, and what treatments are out there. Plus, we’ll tackle myths, share real-life examples, and give you practical tips to handle it—whether you’re dealing with it yourself or supporting someone who is. This isn’t just a quick rundown; it’s a full guide with fresh insights, the latest research, and stuff you won’t find in most articles out there.

Let’s get started by understanding what endometriosis actually is—because knowing the basics is the first step to making sense of it all.

What Is Endometriosis Anyway?

Endometriosis happens when tissue that’s a lot like the lining inside a woman’s uterus (called the endometrium) starts growing where it shouldn’t—like outside the uterus. Imagine it’s like a plant sprouting in the wrong garden. In women, this tissue can stick to places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the intestines. Every month, during a period, this tissue acts like it’s still in the uterus—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. But since it’s outside the uterus, that blood has nowhere to go, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes scars.

Here’s a quick list of common symptoms in women:

• • Painful periods that feel way worse than regular cramps

• • Pelvic pain that sticks around even when it’s not that time of the month

• • Pain during sex, which can make intimacy tough

• • Trouble having kids, because it can mess with fertility

• • Weird bathroom issues, like pain when you pee or poop during your period

Doctors think about 1 in 10 women deal with endometriosis during their reproductive years—that’s roughly 11% of women between 15 and 44, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). But men? That’s a whole different story. It’s so rare in guys that there’s no big number to throw out—just a handful of cases in medical history. So, how does this “women’s condition” show up in men? Let’s find out.

Can Guys Actually Get Endometriosis?

Short answer: Yes, but it’s crazy rare. When we say rare, we mean really rare—like finding a four-leaf clover in a desert. Most people, even some doctors, don’t even think it’s possible because men don’t have a uterus or periods. But endometriosis isn’t about having a uterus—it’s about that tricky endometrial-like tissue growing in weird spots. And in super unusual cases, that can happen to men too.

One famous example popped up in a medical report from 2005. A 52-year-old guy with liver cirrhosis (a condition that messes with how your body handles hormones) started having weird abdominal pain. He’d been taking estrogen therapy to treat prostate cancer, and when doctors checked him out with a laparoscopy (a tiny camera they stick in your belly), they found endometrial-like tissue stuck to his bladder and groin area. Crazy, right? Cases like this show that men can get endometriosis, but it usually takes something special—like extra estrogen—to make it happen.

A tweet from an X user sums it up nicely: “It’s rare, but cis men can absolutely get endometriosis. It’s not about what organs you have—it’s about endometrial-like tissue growing outside where it should.” That’s the key: it’s not about being a woman; it’s about that tissue acting up in the wrong place.

So, while it’s not something most guys need to lose sleep over, it’s real. Next, let’s look at what it feels like if it does happen.

What Does Endometriosis Feel Like in Men?

If a guy has endometriosis, the symptoms aren’t all that different from what women experience—but they’re trickier to spot because no one’s expecting it. Here’s what men might notice:

• • Abdominal pain: A nagging ache or sharp stabs in the belly that don’t go away.

• • Pelvic pain: Discomfort down low, around where your hips meet your stomach.

• • Pain when using the bathroom: Hurting when you pee or poop, especially if the tissue’s near your bladder or intestines.

• • Feeling wiped out: Constant tiredness from dealing with pain all the time.

• • Fertility hiccups: Trouble starting a family, though this is less studied in men.

Picture this: a guy named Mike starts feeling a dull ache in his lower belly. At first, he thinks it’s something he ate, but it keeps coming back. Then he notices it hurts when he goes to the bathroom, and he’s just exhausted all the time. He goes to the doctor, who thinks it might be IBS or a prostate issue—because who’d guess endometriosis in a man? That’s the problem: these symptoms are sneaky and can look like tons of other things.

A 2019 study in the Journal of Rare Diseases looked at a few documented cases and found that men with endometriosis often deal with chronic pain for years before anyone figures it out. The study noted that the pain can range from mild to “can’t-get-out-of-bed” bad, depending on where the tissue grows and how much there is.

✔️ Tip: If you’re a guy with weird, ongoing belly pain that doesn’t match up with stuff like food poisoning or a pulled muscle, don’t ignore it. Write down when it happens and how it feels—it’ll help your doctor later.

❌ Don’t: Assume it’s nothing because “guys don’t get that.” Rare doesn’t mean impossible.

Why Does Endometriosis Happen in Men?

Okay, so men don’t have periods, and they don’t have a uterus—so why would this tissue show up? Scientists don’t have it all figured out, but they’ve got some solid ideas based on those rare cases. Here’s what might cause it:

Too Much Estrogen

Estrogen is the hormone that makes endometrial tissue grow. Women have more of it naturally, but men can get extra doses from things like:

• • Hormone therapy: Guys with prostate cancer sometimes take estrogen to shrink tumors, like in that 2005 case.

• • Obesity: Fat cells can turn other hormones into estrogen, raising levels in the body.

• • Liver problems: If your liver’s not working right (like with cirrhosis), it can’t clear out excess estrogen, letting it build up.

Weird Embryonic Leftovers

Way back when you were a tiny embryo, you had bits of tissue that could’ve turned into anything—like a uterus or testes. In super rare cases, some of that tissue might stick around in men and later turn into endometrial-like stuff. It’s like a glitch in the body’s blueprint.

Environmental Triggers

Some researchers think chemicals in the environment—like plastics or pesticides—might mess with hormones and trigger endometriosis. These “endocrine disruptors” could bump up estrogen levels in men, though there’s not enough proof yet to say for sure.

Caspian Sterling, a reproductive health expert, puts it this way: “Endometriosis in men challenges what we think we know. It’s rare, but it shows us that hormones like estrogen can do wild things in any body under the right—or wrong—conditions.”

A 2021 study in Endocrine Reviews found that men with higher-than-normal estrogen levels (from therapy or health issues) were more likely to show up in these rare cases. It’s not a smoking gun, but it’s a big clue.

✔️ Heads-Up: If you’re a guy on hormone therapy or have a condition like cirrhosis, ask your doctor about unusual risks like this.

❌ Don’t: Panic if you’re overweight—obesity might raise the odds a tiny bit, but it’s still a long shot.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Endometriosis in Men?

Finding endometriosis in men is like solving a mystery with half the clues missing. Since it’s so rare, most doctors don’t even think to look for it. Here’s how they might figure it out:

Step 1: Talking It Out

First, you tell your doctor what’s going on—pain, fatigue, whatever. They’ll ask stuff like:

• • When did it start?

• • Where does it hurt?

• • Have you been on any medications, like hormone treatments?

Step 2: Checking You Out

They might poke around your belly to feel for lumps or sore spots. This isn’t enough to say “yep, it’s endometriosis,” but it’s a start.

Step 3: Peeking Inside

To really know, doctors need to see what’s happening inside. Here’s what they might use:

• • Ultrasound: Sound waves make a picture of your insides. It can spot weird lumps but can’t confirm endometriosis.

• • MRI: This gives a super detailed image of your organs—better than an ultrasound, but still not 100% proof.

• • Laparoscopy: The big one. They make a tiny cut, slide in a camera, and look around. If they see endometrial-like tissue, they can snip a piece to test it. This is the only way to be sure.

A 2022 report from the World Journal of Urology said that in all known cases of endometriosis in men, laparoscopy was the game-changer. But here’s the catch: it’s surgery, so doctors don’t jump to it unless other tests hint at something odd.

Ophelia, a chronic pain specialist, warns, “Men with endometriosis often get brushed off. Their symptoms get blamed on other things, and it can take years to get to the truth. If you’re not getting answers, push for more tests.”

✔️ Do This: Keep a symptom diary—dates, pain levels, what makes it worse. Bring it to your appointment. ✔️ Also Try: If your doctor shrugs it off, see a specialist—like a urologist or gastroenterologist—who might dig deeper.

❌ Avoid: Waiting too long if the pain’s getting worse. Rare or not, you deserve answers.

What Are the Treatment Options for Men?

If a guy gets diagnosed with endometriosis, the goal is to stop the pain and keep that tissue from growing more. Here’s what doctors might suggest:

Pain Relief

• • Over-the-counter stuff: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can take the edge off mild pain.

• • Stronger meds: If it’s bad, they might prescribe something like opioids, but only short-term because of risks like addiction.

Hormone Therapy

Since estrogen feeds endometriosis, cutting it back can help. Options include:

• • GnRH agonists: These shut down hormone production—like hitting pause on estrogen.

• • Progestins: These balance things out and slow tissue growth.

A 2020 study in Hormone Research showed hormone therapy shrank endometrial tissue in a few male cases, easing pain for months.

Surgery

• • Laparoscopy: They cut out the tissue they find. It’s less invasive and works for most.

• • Big surgery: If it’s spread a lot (super rare), they might need to open you up more to get it all.

Surgery helps right away, but it’s not a forever fix—new tissue can grow back. That’s why some guys mix surgery with hormones.

Lifestyle Tweaks

No hard proof, but some things might ease symptoms:

• • Anti-inflammatory foods: Think fish, nuts, and leafy greens—less swelling might mean less pain.

• • Exercise: Moving around could help with pain and energy, though don’t overdo it if it hurts.

✔️ Try: A heating pad on your belly for quick relief—it’s simple but works for lots of people. ✔️ Ask: Your doctor about combining treatments—like meds and surgery—for the best shot.

❌ Skip: Ignoring symptoms hoping they’ll go away. They usually don’t.

Busting Myths About Endometriosis in Men

There’s a lot of wrong info out there, especially about men and endometriosis. Let’s clear up some big myths:

Myth	Fact
Only women get endometriosis.	Nope—men can get it too, though it’s super rare.
It’s all about periods.	Periods play a role in women, but in men, it’s tied to estrogen or other triggers.
Surgery fixes it for good.	Surgery helps, but new tissue can grow back—you might need more treatment.
No pain, no endometriosis.	Some people have it with little or no pain—it varies a ton.

Orion Nightingale, a gynecologist who’s studied this stuff, says, “Endometriosis isn’t simple. It’s not just a women’s thing, and it doesn’t always behave the way we expect. We’ve got to keep learning and stay open-minded.”

✔️ Remember: Don’t let myths stop you from getting checked out—facts matter more than assumptions.

How Does Endometriosis Affect a Man’s Life?

Endometriosis isn’t just physical—it hits you everywhere. Here’s how it might shake things up for a guy:

Pain That Won’t Quit

Chronic pain can make normal stuff—like working, hanging out, or even sleeping—feel impossible. Imagine waking up every day feeling like someone’s poking your gut with a stick.

Fertility Worries

In women, endometriosis can mess with eggs and the uterus. In men, it’s less clear, but tissue near reproductive bits might affect sperm or hormones. A 2018 case study in Fertility and Sterility mentioned a man with endometriosis near his testes who had fertility issues—though it’s not common data yet.

Mental Health Struggles

Constant pain plus no one believing you? That’s a recipe for stress, anxiety, or depression. Men might feel extra isolated because it’s so rare for them.

Social Stuff

Going out might get tough if you’re hurting or tired. Relationships can strain too—pain during intimacy isn’t just a women’s issue with this condition.

✔️ Cope: Talk to someone—a friend, therapist, or online group. You’re not alone, even if it feels that way. ✔️ Plan: Pace yourself—save energy for what matters most each day.

Supporting Someone With Endometriosis (Man or Woman)

If your buddy, brother, or partner has endometriosis, here’s how to be there for them:

1. 1. Listen Up: Let them vent without trying to fix it—just hear them out.

1. 1. Help Out: Offer to grab groceries, cook dinner, or drive them to the doctor.

1. 1. Learn a Little: Read up on endometriosis so you get what they’re facing.

1. 1. Back Them Up: If they’re fighting for a diagnosis, cheer them on—maybe even go with them to appointments.

✔️ Say: “I’m here for you—tell me what you need.” ❌ Don’t Say: “Are you sure it’s not just stress?”—that dismisses their real pain.

What’s New in Endometriosis Research?

Science isn’t standing still—here’s the latest scoop from 2023:

• • Better Imaging: Researchers are testing new MRI tricks to spot endometriosis without surgery. A study in Radiology showed it caught 90% of cases in a small group.

• • Hormone Hacks: New drugs targeting estrogen pathways are in trials—less side effects than old ones, per The Lancet.

• • Gene Clues: Scientists found genes linked to endometriosis risk in a 2023 Nature Genetics paper. It might explain why some men get it—more to come on that.

This stuff could mean easier diagnosis and better treatments soon—hope’s on the horizon!

What If You Think You Have It?

Worried you might be that rare case? Here’s your game plan:

1. 1. Track Symptoms: Write down what hurts, when, and how bad—details help doctors.

1. 1. See a Doc: Start with your regular doctor, but don’t be shy about asking for a specialist if they’re stumped.

1. 1. Push for Tests: If they say “it’s nothing,” but you’re still hurting, ask about imaging or laparoscopy.

1. 1. Team Up: Bring a friend or family member to appointments for support and extra ears.

✔️ Be Honest: Tell your doctor everything—even the embarrassing stuff. It’s all clues.

Wrapping It Up

Endometriosis in men is rare, but it’s real. It’s a tricky condition that can cause pain, fatigue, and a whole lot of confusion—especially since most people don’t even know it can happen to guys. From estrogen therapy to liver issues, the causes are unusual, and the symptoms can hide as other problems. But with the right doctor, some persistence, and a solid plan—like pain meds, hormones, or surgery—you can tackle it.

This isn’t just about facts—it’s about hope. If you’re a guy dealing with weird pain, or you know someone who might be, don’t let the “rare” label stop you from digging deeper. And if you’re here to help someone, your support can change their world.

What do you think? Ever heard of a guy with endometriosis? Got questions or stories? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Share this with anyone who might need it, because spreading the word could help someone get answers faster.