VISUAL GUIDE TO ENDOMETRIOSIS

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Endometriosis happens when the endometrium, the tissue that usually lines the inside of a woman’s uterus, grows outside it.

This tissue acts like regular uterine tissue does during your period: It will break apart and bleed at the end of the cycle. But this blood has nowhere to go. Surrounding areas may become inflamed or swollen. You might have scar tissue and lesions.

Endometriosis is most common on your ovaries.

TYPES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

There are three main types, based on where it is:

• Superficial peritoneal lesion. This is the most common kind. You have lesions on your peritoneum, a thin film that lines your pelvic cavity.
• Endometrioma (ovarian lesion). These dark, fluid-filled cysts, also called chocolate cysts, form deep in your ovaries. They don’t respond well to treatment and can damage healthy tissue.
• Deeply infiltrating endometriosis. This type grows under your peritoneum and can involve organs near your uterus, such as your bowels or bladder. About 1% to 5% of women with endometriosis have it.

SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

You might not notice any symptoms. When you have them, they can include:

• Back pain during your period
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Pain when pooping or peeing, especially during your period
• Unusual or heavy bleeding during periods
• Blood in your stool or urine
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Painful sex
• Fatigue that won’t go away
• Trouble getting pregnant

ENDOMETRIOSIS CAUSES

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes endometriosis. Some experts think menstrual blood that contains endometrial cells may pass back through your fallopian tubes and into your pelvic cavity, where the cells stick to your organs. This is called retrograde menstruation.

Your genes could also play a role. If your mom or sister has endometriosis, you’re more likely to get it. Research shows that it tends to get worse from one generation to the next.

Some women with endometriosis also have immune system disorders. But doctors aren’t sure whether there’s a link.

ENDOMETRIOSIS COMPLICATIONS

Severe pain can affect your quality of life. Some women struggle with anxiety or depression.

About 40% of women who have trouble getting pregnant have it. Researchers suspect that inflammation damages the sperm or egg or makes it harder for them to move. Or scar tissue might block your fallopian tubes.

It may raise your risk of ovarian cancer or another cancer called endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma.