what is endometriosis?

Question

i have been diagnosed with endometriosis what is is please help

Answer 1

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue that is a lot like the uterine lining grows in other areas of the abdominal cavity such as the bowels and bladder in addition to female organs like the ovaries (for some). Problem with this tissue (some say it's actually tissue that comes from the uterus) doesn't come out at the same time that a woman has her period. So it grows on the inside causing problems and pain as well as scar tissue because the areas get inflammed.

I've been dealing with endometriosis for the past 10 years as far as an official diagnosis.

A good site that has even more information about endometriosis is: http://www.endocenter.org

If you have any questions for me please feel free to e-mail or IM me off site any time.

Answer 2

What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects 5 1/2 million women and girls in the USA and Canada, and millions more worldwide. 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 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. 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.

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.

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 sensitivities

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 extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices.

Answer 3

Hi, I have endometriosis and was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I didn't know what it was either when I was diagnosed. The best thing to remember is that each person is totally different and that just because some one else's fertility is affected it doesn't mean yours will be.
I found this website a god send (www.endo-resolved.com). There is loads of advice and explanations but the best thing is the forum and message boards, there are loads of really supportive women who have endo and can support you and answer any questions you have. It shows you that its not all doom and glume, and that there are people out there who understand 100% what your going through.
I hope you look it up, it was and still is such a help.

Answer 4

What is endometriosis?
The word "endometriosis" (say: "end-oh-me-tree-oh-sis") means a problem with the lining of the uterus. The lining is called the endometrium. Normally, every month when you have your period, the lining (which is also called endometrial tissue) comes out in your menstrual flow.

Endometrial tissue is usually only inside your uterus. However, if you have endometriosis, tissue from the lining of the uterus moves through the fallopian tubes and gets on your ovaries, in your pelvis, on your bladder or in other areas. When you have your period, this tissue swells and bleeds, just like the lining of your uterus. This is often painful, and scar tissue can form in your pelvic area.

Is endometriosis harmful to me?
Endometriosis may hurt, but it doesn't cause cancer or affect your overall health, although it might make it harder to get pregnant.

How does my doctor know I have it?
There's no easy way to tell you have this problem. If you have severe cramping and pain during sex or at the beginning of your period, or low back pain or rectal pain, you may have endometriosis. If you have these kinds of pain, your doctor still may not be sure if endometriosis is the cause. Many other health problems can cause pain like this. The only way for your doctor to be sure is to do a laparoscopy (say: "lap-ah-ross-ca-pee"). This is a way of looking inside your uterus by making a small cut in your skin and putting a thin tube inside. If your doctor decides to perform this procedure, you will be given medicine so you won't feel any pain.

Can anything treat endometriosis?
A number of medicines might help with your pain. Sometimes it helps to take birth control pills. Another medicine that might help is a long-acting progestin (this is a hormone that comes in a shot; it's also used for birth control). Other medicines are danazol (brand name: Danocrine) or a monthly shot of a hormone called a GnRH analog.

What do these medicines do?
These medicines stop your periods. They may cause side effects like the ones women have at menopause. These include hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Danazol might cause acne and unwanted facial hair. Sometimes the side effects of the GnRH analog go away if you also take an estrogen pill every day.

How long does treatment last?
Birth control pills, danazol and GnRH analogs are taken for 6 to 9 months. During that time, your pain should get better. After you stop taking the medicine, the pain may come back.

Answer 5

You really need to read "Endometriosis Bible & Violet Protocol" by Zoe Brown (also available in electronic format here: http://www.endometriosisbible.info ). It's about how to eradicate endometriosis disease forever. It worked for me, you will see results in only a matter of weeks. Good Luck!

Answer 6

My mum had this - it just causes period pains to be more painful than others - my mum would have pain during her period for as long as it lasted - very painful and would have to take very strong painkillers such as mefanic acid.
she also suffered from pain after her periods. Your periods may be heavier than others as well.
If you want more info the following link is packed with brilliant information:

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Endometriosis?OpenDocument

Answer 7

Read this link...

Its not pleasant, but can get treated for relief of discomfort...My aunt has it and leads a normal life...With the occsional disruption due to the condition..

I believe you can still conceive though, although it may have an effect on this... My aunt has 5 kids!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometreosis

Answer 8

why did you not ask the person who diagnosed you ???. If you would have asked the question you would not have worried all this time because you would have found out straight away.

Answer 9

im sorry to hear.. i

i dont see how u been diagnosesis and not know it where you get MAJOR period pains 100x worse as normal people and you might fertile sorry!! my best friend has it but her older sis has it and shes fertile

Answer 10

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometriosis