Endometriosis

Endometriosis. We have all heard of it. And since approximately 5 million women within the United States have been diagnosed with it, chances are you probably know someone who has it. Perhaps it is you, your sister, your mother, or your best friend. So, what is this disease and why does it affect fertility like it does?

Endometriosis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is “ an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus-the endometrium-grows outside of your uterus.”[1] Because this endometrial tissues acts just like it would while growing on the inside of your uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. However, since it is inside the abdominal cavity instead of the uterus, it has no way to exit. As it sits and brews in one’s abdominal cavity, it can cause cysts to grow on the ovaries or scar tissue and adhesions to form on the abdominal walls and organs.

            Most women who have Endometriosis experience intense pelvic pain, especially during their menstrual cycle. This pain is often accompanied by excessive bleeding. Some women experience pain during intercourse, bowel movements and urination, while others experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation and bloating.[2] Each woman’s experience with Endometriosis is unique and different. One thing that is important to remember is that one’s level of pain is not necessarily an indicator of how severe their endometriosis is. One woman may experience severe pain, but only have moderate endometriosis, while another woman may experience little to no pain, but have severe endometriosis.

            Endometriosis is categorized into four different stages created by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. These stages allow medical professionals to accurately and more consistently diagnose between professionals.

The Stages are as follows:

·      Stage 1- Minimal

·      Stage 2- Mild

·      Stage 3- Moderate

·      Stage 4- Severe

The stage of Endometriosis one has is determined by the location, depth, amount, and size of the endometrial implants.[3]

            So, how does Endometriosis affect infertility? Endometriosis is considered to be one of the top three major causes of female infertility.[4] For some women who have mild cases of endometriosis, the infertility may be temporary and is often solved with surgery to remove adhesions. In other more severe cases, the woman may remain infertile. This is often thought to be due to scar tissue impairing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing pickup from the fallopian tube.

            Although Endometriosis can be a scary thing, it can often be treated and there are many ways to help women manage the pain that may come with it. In addition, with the help of professionals, many women who struggle to conceive due to Endometriosis are still able to find ways to have a family.

-Kamryn

Sources:

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[1] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, April 2). Definition. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/basics/definition/con-20013968

[2] Mayo Clinic Staff.

[3] Mayo Clinic Staff.

[4] Mayo Clinic Staff.