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Endometriosis is a condition where
tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial
stroma and glands, which should only be located inside
the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body.
Endometriosis lesions can be found
anywhere in the pelvic cavity: on the ovaries, the fallopian
tubes, and on the pelvic sidewall. Other common sites
include the uterosacral ligaments, the cul-de-sac, the
Pouch of Douglas, and in the rectal-vaginal septum.
In addition, it can be found in caecarian-section
scars, laparoscopy
or laparotomy scars, and on the bladder, bowel,
intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum. But these locations
are not so common.
In even more rare cases, endometriosis
has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder,
on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain.
The most common symptom
of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates
to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis
may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate
to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis
is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their
lives in significant ways.
Endometriosis can also cause scar tissue
and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s
internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs
may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen
pelvis."
It is estimated that 30-40% of women
with endometriosis may not be able to have children
(if you suspect you suffer from infertility, please
see our section on endometriosis
and infertility)
If you or someone you care about has
endometriosis, it is important to research the disease
as much as possible. Many myths and misconceptions about
endometriosis still persist, even in medical literature.
For many women, management of this disease may be a
long-term process. Therefore, it is important to educate
yourself, take the time to find a good doctor, and consider
joining a local
support group.
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