What is Endometriosis?

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     Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects 5 1/2 million women and girls in the USA and Canada, and millions more worldwide. It occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus - usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and 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. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.

     This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation --> and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems.

 

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

• Pain before and during periods
• Pain with sex
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Painful urination during periods
• Painful bowel movements during periods
• Other Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea.

In addition, many women with endometriosis suffer from:

• Allergies
• Chemical sensitivities
• Frequent yeast infections

     Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices.

 

     The cause of Endometriosis is unknown. The retrograde menstruation theory (transtubal migration theory) suggests that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen, and grows. Some experts believe that all women experience some menstrual tissue backup and that an immune system problem or a hormonal problem allows this tissue to grow in the women who develop Endometriosis.

     Another theory suggests that endometrial tissue is distributed from the uterus to other parts of the body through the lymph system or through the blood system. A genetic theory suggests that it may be carried in the genes in certain families or that some families may have predisposing factors to Endometriosis.

     Surgical transplantation has also been cited in many cases where Endometriosis is found in abdominal scars, although it has also been found in such scars when accidental implantation seems unlikely.

     Another theory suggests that remnants of tissue from when the woman was an embryo may later develop into Endometriosis, or that some adult tissues retain the ability they had in the embryo stage to transform reproductive tissue in certain circumstances.

     Research by the Endometriosis Association revealed a startling link between dioxin (TCCD) exposure and the development of Endometriosis. Dioxin is a toxic chemical byproduct of pesticide manufacturing, bleached pulp and paper products, and medical and municipal waste incineration. The EA discovered a colony of rhesus monkeys that had developed Endometriosis after exposure to dioxin. 79% of the monkeys exposed to dioxin developed Endometriosis, and, in addition, the more dioxin exposure, the more severe the Endometriosis.

(taken from Endo Association pages)

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Endometriosis click>> (Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player. Once on the page, click on the 'go to module' to watch the interactive tutorial.

ERC (Endometriosis Research Center) is a great group that has tons of info.

endo survivor letter (everyone should read this ..it's awesome! Give it to your family & friends to read..especially spouses)

endometriosis.org

Mayo clinic (has a video)

Teen help

Real images of endo * warning these are real photos of endo during laprascopic surgeries! *

Natural therapies for endo