What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic disorder that causes infertility and pelvic pain. It occurs in 6 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age, but in up to 50 percent in women with infertility and 80 percent of women with chronic pelvic pain. Endometriosis occurs when glands from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) attach and implant on the abdominal organs, such as the intestines or bladder, or pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus. These lesions cause a chronic inflammation in the fluid inside the abdominal cavity as well as changes in the nerves of the pelvic organs, both of which lead to pelvic pain. When endometriosis is mild, inflammation affects sperm function and causes hormonal changes which decrease fertility. When the disease is severe, ovarian cysts and scarring of the pelvic organs can prevent pregnancy. Endometriosis appears to have a familial association. Girls are 7 to 10 times more likely to develop endometriosis if their mother had the disorder. Symptoms Women with endometriosis frequently have painful menstrual cycles, chronic pain, and pain during intercourse. Endometriosis can also cause bowel and bladder problems, including pain with bowel movements or urination and constipation. When endometriosis is mild, inflammation affects sperm function and causes hormonal changes which decrease fertility. When the disease is severe, ovarian cysts and scarring of the pelvic organs can prevent pregnancy. Treatment Treatment is usually birth control pills or other hormones to decrease the frequency of menstrual cycles. If hormones don't work, there are medications which basically turn off the ovaries to stop a woman's cycles temporarily, which then stops the pain. For women that continue to have symptoms, surgery to remove scar tissue or pelvic masses and destroy the endometriosis frequently will help.