What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease which affects over 7 million women and girls in the USA alone, with millions more worldwide. It is often dismissed by health care providers and society, due to the lack of knowledge and awareness surrounding the disease. There is no cure for Endometriosis, but there are several methods of treatment, which may alleviate some of the pain and symptoms associated with it. Outlined below is an brief overview of Endometriosis, possible symptoms which might lead you to suspect you may be suffering from the disease, and common treatment measures.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue like the endometrium (the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus which builds up and is shed each month during menstruation) is found outside the uterus, in other areas of the body. These implants still respond to hormonal commands each month, and break down and bleed. However, unlike the lining of the uterus, the tissue has no way of leaving the body. The result is internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue. In addition, interference with bowel, bladder, intestines and/or other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. While uncommon, Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin and even the brain. There is no cure for Endometriosis.

What causes Endometriosis? There are several theories, none of which have been proven. Following is just a sample of common ones. * Retrograde menstruation * Transplantation theory * Iatrogenic Transplantation * Coelomic Metaplasia * Heredity * Immunology There are many other theories being investigated. Some believe that it may actually be "a combination of several factors."

Symptoms of Endo