Endometriosis is a disease that causes tissue normally found in the uterine cavity to implant outside the cavity on the ovaries or other pelvic organs. The tissue growth can cause irritation that may cause adhesions or scar tissue on these organs. Also, it can grow to develop into blood filled cysts called endometriomas.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s the most common gynecological disease that affects at least 5.5 million women in North America. It’s one of the top three causes of female infertility and approximately 30-40% of women with the disease are sterile. Fortunately, it is often successfully treated through hormone therapy or surgery.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
• Sometimes there are no symptoms
• Painful periods
• And/or painful intercourse.
Endometriosis is diagnosed through a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. It is a minimally invasive procedure. The doctor will evaluate the extent of endometriosis and determine if the endometriosis as minimal, mild, moderate or severe. Endometriosis may be a cause of infertility. Your chances of becoming pregnant are improved after surgery since the doctor will surgically laser the endometriosis or remove the scar tissue.
For more information about endometriosis, check out The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s patient booklet.
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[...] women with endometriosis experience is pain. However, many women do not experience symptoms at all. Symptoms [...]
[...] women with endometriosis experience is pain. However, many women do not experience symptoms at all. Symptoms [...]