Women’s Health
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition and occurs in 6-10% of all women. 75-80% of women with chronic pelvic pain and 25-50% of women who are infertile have endometriosis.
Definition
Endometriosis is when functional endometrial tissue implants outside the uterine cavity.
Diagnosing endometriosis typically takes 6 to 10 years in the medical system.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms can depend of the site of lesions and can include:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain with intercourse
- Pain with urination
- Pain with bowel movements
- Infertility
Lab Testing & Imaging
Laparoscopy is used to diagnose endometriosis. Lab testing can be use to rule in and rule out other conditions.
Stages of Endometriosis
There are 4 stages of endometriosis but the severity of symptoms is not related to the disease stage.
- Stage 1 – Minimal
- Stage 2 – Mild
- Stage 3 – Moderate
- Stage 4 – Severe
The stage of endometriosis is based on location, amount, depth, and size of lesions.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the person and their health goals. A treatment plan may include: