What is Endometriosis?

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

    Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S., 1 million in Canada, and millions more worldwid. It 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 liagments that support the uterus; the area between the agina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus and the lining of the pelvic cavity. other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. less commonly they are found in the lung, arm thigh, and other locations.
     The misplaced tissue develops into the 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.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Pain before and during periods
Pain with sex
Infertility
Fatigue
Painful urination during periods
Painful bowel movements during periods
Other Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea


IN ADDITION, MANY WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS SUFFER FROM:


Allergies
Chemical Sensitivies
Frequent yeast infections
Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and the extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices.

WHAT CAUSES ENDOMETRIOSIS?

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, while there are many theories as to what causes the disease, non have been 100% proven. However, the painful and crippling symptoms are undisputed.





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