Explaining endometriosis in a nutshell is quite difficult. In layman’s words endometriosis is a condition where some little flowers are present outside the uterus, and bloom in other places of a woman’s body. Each month the flowers cleverly move to different units, where they take the form of painful weeds.

Endometriosis – The “Truth”: What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is derived from the word endometrium. Endometriosis is also called “Endo”. It happens when internal skins aka scar tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of your uterus on other areas in your body where it doesn’t belong.

Endometriosis – The “Truth”: Recent Fact & Figures

• Endometriosis is the second largest gynecologist problem in the world.
• 1 out of 10 women of reproductive age are suffering from Endo.
• 10% of women worldwide have Endometriosis.
• In figures approximately 176 million women are suffering all over the world.
• The infertility in women has been raised to 30% to 50% approx.

Endometriosis – The “Truth”: Symptoms of Endometriosis

The following symptoms are the most common ones of endometriosis. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman.

• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow
• Spotting before menstrual cycle
• Cramps before menstrual cycle
• Severe pain felt in the lower abdomen or in the lower back.
• A woman can suffer with other gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea.
• Infertility
• Bowel symptoms – pain using your bowel
• Bladder symptoms – pain when passing urine
• Ovulation Pain

Causes of Endometriosis

Here are some reasons why women are suffering with “endo”. These reasons are for everyone different though.

• Problem with menstrual cycle flow
• Genetic Factors
• Women with abnormal uterus
• Hormones
• Immune system problems

Stages of Endometriosis

There are a total of 4 stages of “endo”. These stages are discussed as below.

Types of Endometriosis

There are four main types of Endometriosis. “Endo” is also grouped by what area of the pelvis or abdomen is affected.

1. Peritoneal superficial endometriosis: Endometriosis most minimal form is peritoneal which is the thin membrane that lines your abdomen & pelvis. In this type of “endo” the tissue attaches to the peritoneum.
2. Ovarian Endometriomas: This form of “endo” is also called Chocolate cysts. Ovarian endometriomas are the dark fluid – filled cyst. These cysts vary in size and can appear in different parts of your pelvis & abdomen.
3. Abdominal wall endometriosis: Abdominal wall endometriosis can include the ovaries, rectum, uterus and can even lead to such drastic cases as “frozen pelvis”.
4. Deep infiltrating endometriosis: This is the most extreme form of endometriosis. DIE involve the organs both inside and outside the pelvic cavity. This condition is also called frozen pelvic. This can include the bowels, appendix, diaphragm, heart, lungs, and even the brain. Only 1 to 5% of the women may suffer with this kind of endometriosis.

Treatment for Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be treated with hormone therapy and surgery.

Hormone therapy: options of hormone therapy include;

• Birth control pills
• Progestin-only contraceptives
• Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogues

Surgery for Endometriosis

•  Laparoscopic surgery
•  Laparotomy
• Bowel surgery
• Hysterectomy

Conclusion 

Endometriosis is a chronic and painful disease. It’s a common cause of pain and infertility in women, although many women have no symptoms from this condition. This disease commonly affects women ages 15-45 years. Women with (moderate to severe) endometriosis commonly can be treated with surgery.  Many women will achieve pregnancy after the treatment of endometriosis.  Hormonal therapy for endometriosis generally prevents pregnancy.