Best Health For Women: Endometriosis

Endometriosis

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.

The above information found here: http://www.medicinenet.com/endometriosis/page2.htm

The above information was found at http://www.medicinenet.com/endometriosis/page2.htm

The

My Struggle

In 2004, I was diagnosed with endometriosis after 8 years of pain. I constantly went to my gynecologist as a teenager only to be told that my pain was normal. In fact, I had a couple of ultrasounds where 4 cm cysts were found, but was again told to wait them out. I understand that pain is difficult for a physician and patient to properly communicate, but I have found that average gynecologists do not know enough about the disease to diagnose. Now that I have begun seeing an endometriosis specialist, I feel like I have finally found someone who hears me. I am scheduled for a surgery next month to remove endometriosis, endometrioma, and repair an inguinal hernia. For some reason, inguinal hernias are common in endometriosis patients and can feel like cyst/endometrioma pain. If you have constant recurring pain that hurts more when pressed, you may need to contact your specialist.

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