What is Endometriosis?

Answer 1

Endometriosis is absolutely NOT an infection. That is endometritis, which should not be confused for Endometriosis, or "Endo." It is a chronic reproductive/immunological disease characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining inside the uterus which builds up and sheds each month during menstruation) outside the uterus, implanted in other areas of the body [What is Endometriosis; international Endometriosis Research Center; www.endocenter.org]. Once believed to be exactly the same as the actual endometrium, we know now that Endometriosis is biologically different from true endometrium [The role of endometrium in endometriosis; J Soc Gynecol Investig. 2006 Oct;13(7):467-76].

In any event, these implants continue to break down and bleed; the result is internal bleeding, degeneration of tissue shed from the growths, chronic inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of painful adhesions and scar tissue. Endometriosis has been documented in nearly every location of the body, including such remote and unusual sites as the brain, sciatic nerve, lungs and even skin.

Endometriosis can cause debilitating pain and infertility, and despite being one of the most common reasons for chronic pelvic pain, the disease remains widely misunderstood [case in point; a vast majority of the answers on this website, for example, are completely wrong]. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and alterations in immune and endocrine functions are believed to play significant roles in the establishment and maintenance of Endometriosis, and there is no absolute cure.

Common myths and falsehoods about Endo include the notions that Endo only affects older women who have delayed childbearing (which is absurd, considering that nearly 70% of teens undergoing laparoscopy for pelvic pain are diagnosed with Endo [Johns Hopkins data]; that it can be cured through hysterectomy, pregnancy or menopause, drugs or surgery; that Endo only affects menstruating women [recurrent disease following menopause and hysterectomy is well documented]; that no women with Endo can have children or conversely, that having children will cure it; and many others. None are true.

While there is no cure, treatments include surgical intervention (required for an accurate diagnosis); alternative therapies such as herbs, supplements, naturopathy, etc.; and hormonal suppression. None are curative, but meticulous surgical removal of the disease (such as through the method of excision - see http://www.centerforendo.com for details) can confer the longest benefits with minimal side effects. It is imperative to have a true Endo specialist caring for you; one who is up to date on the latest understandings and most effective treatments for the disease.

Most women suffer from Endometriosis at an early age, though the average delay in diagnosis is 9 years and 5 physicians. It is unusual, though not impossible, for a woman to not experience symptoms until after pregnancy. There are no increased risks in terms of symptoms cropping up before or after pregnancy, but often, women with Endo who become pregnant actually experience short-term relief from Endo during the pregnancy itself. While not curative as mistakenly believed by some, pregnancy may temporarily "quiet" the disease for a short period.

It is important to obtain early diagnosis and intervention when dealing with Endometriosis. It can be crippling for many; taking over every aspect of a woman's life if it becomes bad enough. See the following links for accurate and timely additional resources and info:

http://www.endometriosistreatment.org
http://www.centerforendo.com
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/erc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/endodocs
http://www.endocenter.org/pdf/2006ScreeningEducationKit.pdf

It is imperative to obtain the most accurate, timely info and resources on Endo in order to manage it successfully. Hope the above helps.

Answer 2

Endometrium is found only in the uterus, it is a tissue that lines a woman's uterus. In women with endometriosis, microscopic bits of this tissue get outside the uterus becoming implanted on other organs and tissues, and multiply there. They become lesions and usually develop in the abdominal cavity often involving other portions of the reproductive system. In rare cases they can even affect other organs, like the lungs. Endometrium itself responds to the hormones estrogen and progesterone and thickens and then bleeds every month. Because the transplanted tissue cannot escape it ends up irritating the surrounding tissue and can cause cysts, scars and adhesions. Eventually these can bind the reproductive organs together and become a mass. Endometriosis has different classifications such as minimal, mild, moderate and severe. Some women have no noticeable symptoms, others have abnormally heavy periods and can experience deep abdominal pain while having intercourse. Endometriosis accounts for 30 to 40 percent of infertility. It is likely to strike women in their thirties and forties, and usually stops at menopause with the marked decline in the production of estrogen. Just another good reason to get those exams!

Answer 3

Endometriosis is when the normal tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. There are a lot of theories about how that tissue starts to grow where it doesn't belong. Just type 'endometriosis' into your search browser and you can read about the different theories.

For me, endo was a painful condition. This tissue responds to your hormones and when you have your period, this tissue bleeds also. It secretes a chemical (a certain prostaglandin) that causes inflammation. Painful, to say the least.

If you suffer from this condition, I recommend that you see a specialist. I see an RE, a reproductive endocrinologist. He is worth his weight in gold!

Answer 4

Good day I was diagnosed with endo @ 15 and used to be swiftly referred for a laproscopy (a surgical system the place they make an incision in your navel and place a tiny digital camera inside to have a squiz about your ovaries and so forth to seem for any endo - it looks gross like little cysts) and should you do have any they will then make a different incision either side of your navel for his or her scalpels and tongs and then actually "slice" off the endo. The operation is relatively painless despite the fact that u do suppose a little bit smooth circular the stomach for a good month. The operation has an 85% success rate (which means that for eighty five% of endo victims it is going to by no means develop again). Being on the tablet also helps to sluggish down the progress of endometriosis. Talk to your GP about it but i'd strongly endorse it - its converted my existence :-)

Answer 5

Endometriosis (say “en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sus”) is a problem many women have during their childbearing years. It means that a type of tissue that lines your uterus is also growing outside your uterus. This does not always cause symptoms, and it usually is not dangerous. But it can cause pain and other problems.

The clumps of tissue that grow outside your uterus are called implants. They usually grow on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the outer wall of the uterus, the intestines, or other organs in the belly. In rare cases, they spread to areas beyond the belly.

How does endometriosis cause problems?

Your uterus is lined with a type of tissue called endometrium (say “en-doh-MEE-tree-um”). It is like a soft nest where a fertilized egg can grow. Each month, your body releases hormones that cause the endometrium to thicken and get ready for an egg. If you get pregnant, the fertilized egg attaches to the endometrium and starts to grow. If you do not get pregnant, the endometrium breaks down, and your body sheds it as blood. This is your menstrual period.

Answer 6

An infection in the lining of the uterus. Often treated with meds, then if that doesn't work or it's a serious case, then a D&C. Dialation and Cuterage. Done with anestesia and basically just cleans out the uterus.

That's the simple answer my Dr. gave me. Sounds like these other ladies know better.

Answer 7

it is defined as growth of endometrial tissue (uterine lining) growing outside the uterus.

Answer 8

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