Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition affecting women of childbearing age. While some women do not have any symptoms, others experience ongoing pain. It is also a factor in infertility – 30 to 40 percent of women with the condition have difficulty conceiving a child.

What is Endometriosis?

The name comes from the word “endometrium,” which is the tissue that lines the uterus. During a woman’s regular menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up and is shed if she does not become pregnant.

Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue. But it is located outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down just as the endometrium does, resulting in small amounts of internal bleeding.

Unlike menstrual fluid from the uterus which is shed by the body, blood from the misplaced tissue has nowhere to go, resulting in the tissues surrounding the endometriosis becoming inflamed or swollen. This process can produce scar tissue around the area which may develop into lesions or growths.

In some cases, particularly when an ovary is involved, the blood can become embedded in the tissue where it is located, forming blood blisters that may become surrounded by a fibrous cyst.

 What are the different stages of endometriosis:

The stages are classified by level of severity and are listed as the following:
Stage I: minimal
Stage II: mild
Stage III: moderate
Stage IV: severe
The stage of endometriosis is based on the location, amount, depth, and size of the endometrial implants.

Specific criteria include:
1- The extent of the spread of the implants
2- The involvement of pelvic structures in the disease
3- The extent of pelvic adhesions
4- The blockage of the fallopian tubes

The stage of the endometriosis does not necessarily reflect the level of pain experienced, risk of infertility, or symptoms present. For example, it is possible for a woman in Stage I to be in tremendous pain, while a woman in Stage IV may be asymptomatic.

In addition, women with impaired fertility who receive treatment during the first two stages of the disease have the greatest chance of regaining their ability to become pregnant following treatment.

Where is endometriosis often found?

Endometriosis can be found throughout the pelvis, including:

1- Ovaries
2- The fallopian tubes
3- Ligaments that support the uterus
4- The internal area between the vagina and rectum
5- Outer surface of the uterus
6- In the lining of the pelvic cavity

Occasionally, the implants are found in other places, such as: intestines, rectum, bladder, vagina, cervix, vulva, abdominal surgery scars.

What are symptoms of endometriosis?

The following are the most common symptoms for endometriosis, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:
Pain, especially excessive menstrual cramps which may be felt in the abdomen or lower back, pain during intercourse, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow,  fatigue, painful urination during menstrual periods, Infertility, painful bowel movements during menstrual periods, other gastrointestinal problems (i.e., diarrhea, constipation, and/or nausea)

It is important to note that the amount of pain a woman experiences is not necessarily related to the severity of the disease – some women with severe endometriosis may experience no pain, while others with a milder form of the disease may have severe pain or other symptoms.

How is endometriosis related to infertility?

Endometriosis can contribute to female infertility In mild to moderate cases, the infertility may be just temporary. In these cases, treating adhesions, cysts, and scar tissue can restore fertility.
In other cases (a very small percentage), women may remain infertile. Physicians are still not clear in all cases how endometriosis affects fertility. However our Infertility Solution Kit will increase the chance of pregnant significantly. It has been tested and confirmed by clients that are now mothers and pregnant.

What causes endometriosis?

The causes of endometriosis are still unknown, although theories abound. One theory suggests that during menstruation some of the tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, a sort of “reverse menstruation,” where it attaches and grows.
Another theory states that certain families may have predisposing genetic factors to the disease. Current research is also looking at the role of the immune system in activating cells that may secrete factors which stimulate endometriosis.

Who is at risk for developing endometriosis?

While any woman may develop endometriosis, the following women seem to be at an increased risk for the disease:
1- Women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with the disease
2- Women who are giving birth for the first time after age 30
3- Women with an abnormal uterus.