Endometriosis

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is endometriosis?
• Who is affected by endometriosis?
• What causes endometriosis?
• What are endometriosis symptoms?
• Endometriosis and cancer risk
• How is endometriosis diagnosed?
• How is endometriosis treated?
  • Medical treatment of endometriosis
  • Surgical treatment of endometriosis
• Treatment of infertility associated with endometriosis
• Endometriosis At A Glance

Endometriosis and Infertility Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Viewer Question: Will endometriosis affect my ability to have children? Expert's Answer: The mechanism for impaired fertility may involve both anatomic distortion from pelvic adhesions, endometriomas, and the production of substances (for example, prostanoids, cytokines, and growth factors) which are "hostile" to normal ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. There has been a long-running controversy regarding how endometriosis might be related to infertility. Endometriosis is more common in infertile compared to fertile women, but the condition usually does not fully prevent conception. The reasons for a decrease in fertility are not completely understood, but might be due to both anatomic and hormonal factors. The presence of endometriosis may involve masses of tissue or scarring (adhesions) within the pelvis that may distort normal anatomical structures, such as Fallopian tubes, which transport the eggs from the ovaries... Read more about endometriosis and infertility » Top Searched Endometriosis Terms: endometriosis symptoms, cancer and endometriosis, menopause, hysterectomy, endometriosis treatment, endometriosis pain, laporoscopy, pregnancy

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis implants can occur outside the pelvis, on the liver, in old surgery scars, and even in or around the lung or brain. Endometrial implants, while they can cause problems, are benign (not cancerous).

Who is affected by endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive years. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and have no symptoms. Endometriosis is estimated to affect over one million women (estimates range from 3% to 18% of women) in the United States. It is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and reasons for laparoscopic surgery and hysterectomy in this country. While most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed in women aged around 25-35 years, endometriosis has been reported in girls as young as 11 years of age. Endometriosis is rare in postmenopausal women. Endometriosis is more commonly found in white women as compared with African American and Asian women. Studies further suggest that endometriosis is most common in taller, thin women with a low body mass index (BMI). Delaying pregnancy until an older age is also believed to increase the risk of developing endometriosis.

Endometriosis - Symptoms Experienced

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms?

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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

nafarelin, Synarel - Source:MedicineNet CA 125 - Read about CA 125, the blood test for ovarian cancer. This test however, will also be increased with benign conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and others. Source:MedicineNet Hysterectomy - Learn about hysterectomy procedures and options available for women. There are many types of hysterectomy surgeries including a total, radical, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical, and oophorectomy. The type of hysterectomy procedure will depend upon the reason for the procedure. Source:MedicineNet Read 81 more Endometriosis related articles ... Health Tip: Keep Baby From Heat Rash Health Tip: Before You Take Medication Commonly Used HIV Infectivity Rate Misses Risks Vitamin C Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment Health Highlights: Aug. 5, 2008 For Psychiatrists, Talk Therapy Falling by Wayside New Test Diagnoses Anemia in Chronic Disease Nurturing Parents Can Cut Risk of Aggression in Girls HIV Drug Might Spur Resistant Strains of Virus Laser Therapy as Good as Drugs for Diabetic Eye Problems