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Created: February 25, 1999
by: Diane Manhattan
Revised: April 29, 2000
ICNLesa
An Introduction to Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease that refers to the tissue/lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium. In endometriosis the endometrial tissue is found living outside of the uterus. These tissues can be found in the areas of the fallopian tubes, ovaries the outer area of the uterus and the ligaments that support the uterus. Endometrial tissue has been found occasionally in the areas of the colon, bladder, and the surrounding areas of the pelvic cavity. In normal situations, when a woman menstruates the endometrial tissues build up and shed each month. These tissues are released with the menstrual flow. The tissue that are not shed during menstruation can develop into small growths called "lesions", "implants", "nodules". These growths are called Endometriosis. The endometrial tissues that are found outside of the uterus respond in the same manner by breaking down. Because there is no exit for the body to expel the fluids (blood/tissues) from the body, and the normal bodies response is to replace the raw areas with "growth" these tissues then get inflamed and swollen which can result in adhesions/scar tissue. There are three stages of endometriosis: (1) Minimal to mild - when the endometrial tissues are small and not widespread (2) Moderate - extensive scar tissue and lesions are present (3) Severe - extensive scaring and large lesions are present and organs become stuck together from excessive scar tissue
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Severe menstrual cramping, pelvic pain, back ache, painful sex, painful bowel movements and/or constipation-diarrhea, fatigue, bloating and painful urination.The pain associated with endometriosis had been described as, burning, throbbing or a dull achy pain.
Because endometriosis is individualized symptoms can vary from having no pain at all to severe pain. The pain that accompanies endometriosis can be caused by the inflammation and the bleeding of the endometrial implants (growths, lesions, nodules). Another reason that is associated with the pain of endometriosis is that the endometrial tissues get trapped beneath the scar tissue/adhesions.
Diagnosis
The most reliable way of diagnoses is by a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. This procedure is done under general anesthesia and is considered a minor surgical procedure. A Small incision is made in the abdomen/navel, an instrument call a laparscope (a tiny-lighted instrument) is inserted into the incision area and the abdominal cavity can be clearly viewed.
Additional Information
Endometriosis Association8585 N. 76th Place
Milwaukee, WI 53223
800-992-3636
Informational Websites
What is Endometriosis? - A Woman's Guide to Endometriosis, Caroline Naish & Professor David BarlowNIH - Facts About Endometriosis - NIH Publication number 91-2413
Guest Editorial - Hormone Replacement Therapy and Endometriosis - Author: Ph.R. Koninckx, MD
Endometriosis: American Whole Health Inc. - Health Info Library Women's Health