What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, which usually thickens and sloughs off during menstruation, actually reattaches itself, most commonly to the fallopian tubes, the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, intestines, bladder, or peritoneum. In rare instances the tissue may migrate to other areas of the body including the lungs. Scar tissue and inflammation can develop as the tissue fills with blood during the menstrual cycle and then has no release. The symptoms and pain of endometriosis are caused by the inflammation and subsequent scarring of the surrounding tissues. Endometriosis is a non-cancerous condition. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), endometriosis is a common condition affecting 10 to 15 percent of reproductive-age women.

What causes endometriosis?

Many theories as to what causes endometriosis exist, but there is no definitive cause. Many researchers believe that high estrogen levels are a factor in endometriosis. There also seems to be a hereditary connection, if a family member has endometriosis, there is an increased chance that other women in the family will also have it. Another commonly held theory suggests that rather than flowing out of the body, menstrual blood is pushed backward out of the uterus into the pelvic cavity through the fallopian tubes. The menstrual blood contains some endometrial tissue causing what is known as retrograde menstruation. However, many women experience retrograde menstruation without having endometriosis. Other theories include: abnormal endometrium, environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, and immune system problems. Fertility issues Even mild cases of endometriosis can impair fertility by distorting the pelvic organs. Women with endometriosis have a two to ten percent chance of a pregnancy in any given month in contrast to a fifteen to twenty percent chance for women trying to become pregnant without having the condition. However, many women with this condition have no fertility impairment.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptoms include: painful menstruation non-cyclic pelvic pain pain during sexual intercourse chronic pelvic pain Severe cramping Diarrhea and painful bowel movements, especially with menstruation Abdominal tenderness It is important to note that some women experience these symptoms and do not have endometriosis and some women have no symptoms and have the condition. Symptoms vary widely in type and severity among women with endometriosis. It is difficult to diagnose endometriosis. A pelvic exam will provide the doctor with a great deal of information, but the only definitive diagnosis is surgical.