Endometriosis Facts

Endometriosis is a common and chronic gynecological disease which can result in cyclic pelvic pain occurring in conjunction with a woman's periods.

The condition occurs when endometrial cells develop outside of their normal location inside the uterus. The misplaced endometrial cells respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way as those lining the uterus. The tissue grows and sheds blood at the time of menses. Instead of flowing out of the body through the vagina, the blood shed by the misplaced cells has no way out of the body. The resulting internal bleeding can lead to chronic inflammation and the formation of adhesions and scar tissue. Areas commonly affected include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, 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.

Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms. But for many others, endometriosis can cause severe pain that interferes with activities of daily living. Endometriosis can also lead to other distressing conditions such as infertility, adhesions, and scar tissue that entrap the reproductive organs. Other symptoms include:

• Focal pelvic tenderness
• Fatigue
• Premenstrual spotting
• Nausea
• Heavy periods
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Painful urination and bowel movements during periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy.

In addition to physical symptoms, women with endometriosis also experience emotional problems such as depression and poor self-esteem.