What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus — usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity.
This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation — and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems.
Source: Endometriosis Association
Red Flags
- pain before and during periods
- pain with intercourse
- painful orgasms
- general, chronic pelvic pain throughout the month
- low back pain
- heavy and/or irregular periods
- painful bowel movements, especially during menstruation
- painful urination during menstruation
- fatigue
- infertility
- diarrhea or constipation
- intestinal distress such as bloating, vomiting, nausea
Source: Endo Resolved
Do You Have Endometriosis? Click to find out.
What are the stages of Endometriosis?
The Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine Classification of Endometriosis: 1996 is currently the most widely used system to stage endometriosis. The chart is the classification system produced by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. This is what your physician uses when calculating your stage of endometriosis. Click here to view the chart.
Source: Ask Dr. Cook Archive
What is your Endometriosis IQ?
Endometriosis affects 10 to 15 percent of reproductive-age women. How much do you know about the condition? Take this quiz now.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system resulting in the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected well-timed intercourse.
Source: IHIO
