Endometriosis is a painful, chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, primarily in the abdominal cavity, resulting in lesions, cysts, and adhesions, which lead to inflammation, pain, infertility and other medical problems.

Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. When endometrial cells grow outside the uterus, endometriosis results. These cells attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. The implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found on the liver, vagina, old surgery scars, and even in the lung or brain. Endometrial implants are generally benign (not cancerous).

During your menstrual cycle, hormones signal the lining of your uterus to thicken to prepare for possible pregnancy. If a pregnancy doesn't occur, your hormone levels decrease, causing the thickened lining of your uterus to shed. This produces bleeding that exits your body through the vagina - your monthly period.

Endometrial tissue, whether it is inside or outside the uterus, responds to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries during the reproductive cycle. Under the influence of the hormones, the misplaced tissue swells; and when hormonal levels drop, the tissue may bleed. Unlike the normally situated endometrium, which is shed from the body as menstrual discharge, this blood and tissue has no outlet. It remains to irritate the surrounding tissue. Trapped blood may lead to the growth of cysts.

Endometriosis is a common problem. It occurs in an estimated 10% of women during their reproductive years. The prevalence may be as high as 35% among infertile women.

Endometriosis can affect menstruating women of any age or race and usually takes several years after the onset of menstruation (menarche) to develop. When menstruation ends permanently with menopause or temporarily with pregnancy, the signs and symptoms of endometriosis stop. They can begin again after pregnancy when menstruation resumes

Endometriosis Stage

There are mainly four stages of endometrial. Doctors use these stages to describe how severe your endometriosis is and each stage is based on a weighted point system. This system is set up to clarify the extent of endometriosis based on location, size, and number of endometrial implants involving the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cul-de-sac, and peritoneum. Each implant is assigned a point depending on its size.

Stage 1 is minimal (1-5 points)

Stage 2 is mild (6-15 points)

Stage 3 is moderate (16-40 points)

Stage 4 is severe (over 40 points)

Stages 1 and 2 endometrial implants are small and not widespread. Stages 3 and 4 implants are usually large with extensive scar tissue.

Endometriosis Sign and Symptoms

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Usually the pain is in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. Other symptoms include:

Disablingly painful periods

Increasing menstrual pain over several months

Pain during sexual intercourse

Chronic pelvic pain

Low back pain

Fatigue

Heavy and/or irregular periods

Diarrhea and/or constipation with menstruation

Painful bowel movements, especially with menstruation

Painful urination or other urinary problems during the period

Infertility

Many women who have endometriosis experience few or no symptoms.

Cause Endometriosis

Several