Endometriosis

Endometriosis

Are you one of seven million women in the United States with endometriosis? If so, you may also be struggling with infertility. Endometriosis is a female reproductive disorder characterized by pelvic pain, inflammation and vaginal bleeding. This painful condition can affect any female of menstruating age, although it is more likely to run in families. If you experience abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, talk to your doctor. While there is no known cause, and no known cure for endometriosis, treatments do exist, including medications and surgery to reduce symptoms and restore fertility.
Recently Answered
Q Will having a partial hysterectomy end my endometriosis?
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Dr. Hugo Ribot, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Not if all endometriosis present is not excised (surgically removed) at the time of the hysterectomy. I have seen many patients who had a hysterectomy performed elsewhere and continued to be symptomatic as far as pain during intercourse... Full Answer
Q What is endometriosis?
9 Answers
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
If your cramps are very severe or disabling, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as endometriosis, a condition that can affect up to 10% of women. Endometriosis means that you may have uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, typically... Full Answer
Q What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic pain (severe cramping in the lower back and abdomen that usually coincide with menstrual cramps); sharp pelvic pain during sex; painful bowel movements; exceptionally heavy periods or bleeding... Full Answer
Q What is adenomyosis?
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Dr. John Lipman, Radiology
To understand adenomyosis, one needs to understand the layers of the uterus. There are 3 main layers of the uterus: endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium. The endometrium is the thin lining of the uterus. It is what sheds with each menstrual cycle... Full Answer
Q How does endometriosis affect fertility?
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Researchers have found that in cases of infertility, 25 to 50 percent are due to endometriosis. When your displaced endometrial tissue swells and bleeds, it can cause scar tissue and cysts to develop. This extra matter can sometimes block some of the... Full Answer
Q What increases my risk for endometriosis?
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Although the cause for endometriosis is still unknown, researchers have pinpointed some risk factors associated with the condition. These risk factors include medical conditions that stop the flow of blood during your period, having short menstrual... Full Answer
Q How is endometriosis diagnosed?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
Endometriosis is a particularly difficult diagnosis, because it will not show up on an ultrasound or other imaging tests. That means that some women literally wait years for a diagnosis. The only definitive test to diagnose endometriosis is a... Full Answer
Q How can I choose the right treatment for endometriosis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
Despite the painful symptoms and difficult diagnosis associated with endometriosis, the bottom line is that it is a very treatable condition –something no woman should have to suffer through. Treatment varies depending on the severity of... Full Answer
Q What causes endometriosis?
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No one knows what causes endometriosis, but they have several theories as to its origination. Some believe endometriosis is caused by the backward flow of blood during menstruation, which spreads endometrial tissue to other parts of the body. Others... Full Answer
Q How do I manage my endometriosis on a daily basis?
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You can manage your endometriosis on a daily basis by following the indications of your doctor regarding treatment. Be sure to use your pain relievers and hormone therapies in a timely manner in order to avoid pain and heavy bleeding. Use household items... Full Answer