Endometriosis

Endometriosis gets its name from the term endometrium, which refers to the tissue lining a woman’s uterus. In the case of endometriosis, this tissue appears in areas outside the uterus, in the form of lesions, growths, tumors or nodules.

Common areas where endometriosis occurs include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, behind the uterus or on the pelvic sidewall. It can also be found on c-section, laparoscopy and laparotomy scars, as well as on the bladder, appendix, bowels and rectum. Endometriosis lesions can also appear on the skin and in the lungs, brain and spine, but these occurrences are extremely rare.

Symptoms of endometriosis include painful cramping during menstruation, and painful bowel movements or urination while menstruating. Spotting or bleeding between periods, as well as unusually long or heavy cycles are also indicators. Many sufferers also experience pain during or after sex, as well as fatigue and / or intestinal pain.

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, pain medication, surgery and hormone therapy have been used to treat the condition. In some cases, pregnancy has also helped decrease symptoms.

5 Things You Need To Know

  1. In the U.S. alone, roughly 5 million women have endometriosis.
  2. Often, women can have the condition (and experience symptoms) for up to 5 years before being diagnosed.
  3. There is no official cause of endometriosis, but many doctors believe that heavy and long cycles (7 days or more) or getting your period at an early age may be contributing factors. Heredity may also play a role.
  4. Endometriosis is detected through a series of tests, including an ultrasound or an MRI which can detect lesions inside the body.
  5. An estimated 30 to 40 percent of women with endometriosis will experience infertility or difficulty conceiving.

3 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is the pain I am experiencing normal? Although many symptoms of endometriosis may seem typical of those experienced during menstruation, when put together they may help your doctor make a proper diagnosis. Be sure you have a good record of all your symptoms when you consult a physician.
  2. What treatment options do I have? There are a variety of treatments available for endometriosis, including pain medication and hormone treatment, as well as surgery in more serious instances. Talk to your doctor about your condition and your concerns, so together you can find the right treatment option.
  3. What if it’s not endometriosis? Your symptoms could be indicative of another condition, in which case your doctor will want to monitor you closely. Keeping track of your symptoms and the dates on which they occur is extremely beneficial.

Also Known As: Ovarian lesions, fallopian lesions, uterine lesions

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