Endometriosis

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a non-cancerous condition in which pieces of the endometrium (uterine lining) grow outside your uterus and adhere to other pelvic structures, most commonly the ovaries, bowel, fallopian tubes, or bladder. It is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility.

It affects 10 to 15 percent of premenopausal women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), with the National Institutes of Health estimating that at least 5.5 million women in North America alone have endometriosis.

Historically thought of as a disease that affects adult women, endometriosis is increasingly being diagnosed in adolescents, as well.

The most common symptoms are painful menstrual periods and/or pelvic pain.

Others include:

• Diarrhea and painful bowel movements, especially during menstruation
• Intestinal pain
• Painful intercourse
• Abdominal tenderness
• Severe cramping
• Backache
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Pain in the pelvic region with exercise
• Painful pelvic examinations