Endometriosis is a chronic disorder affecting over 6 million women in the United States. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, develops outside the uterus - most commonly in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, pelvic area, and less commonly, beyond the pelvic region.
This endometrium tissue, when outside the uterus, can cause growth or lesions. When the body menstruates and endometrium tissue builds up and sheds, causing a period, these lesions do the same thing. However, the blood that sheds from the tissue outside the uterus has no way of funneling outside the body, which can result in inflammation and internal bleeding. Over time, endometriosis can cause the abnormally located tissue to bind organs together.
Doctors can certainly see signs of Endometriosis from an evaluation and ultrasound, however, diagnosis is confirmed by laparoscopy, which is a minor surgical procedure. During a laparoscopy, a doctor can determine the location and size of the growths, as well as any complications that have occurred.
Here are some of the most common Endometriosis symptoms:
Stomach and Bowel Issues
Endometriosis symptoms include gastrointestinal discomforts including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea, especially during the time of menstrual periods.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that would suggest Endometriosis. And keep in mind that it can be mistaken for other conditions including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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