What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus (endometrial implant).

In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped.

When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts or non-cancerous tumors called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal tissue that binds organs together.

Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during a female's menstrual cycle. Fertility problems also may develop.   -MayoClinic

Common Symptoms

Common Symptoms
  • Painful menstrual cramps - Often paired with heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Chronic pain in the pelvic area and lower back
  • Pain during intercourse and/or after
  • Intestinal pain and blockage
  • Painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods
  • Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Infertility or not being able to get pregnant
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods

Stages of Endometriosis

Stage 1: Minimal
Small adhesions (bands that have formed between tissue and female organs)

Stage 2: Mild
More adhesions have began to form between the rectum and the uterus.

Stage 3: Moderate
Adhesions have started to spread to other female reproductive organs (Fallopian tubes and cervix) as well as the rectum.

Stage 4: Severe
Adhesions have covered most of the organs in the pelvic area. Implants have started to move towards other organs in the body, like the intestines and kidneys. there is more scar tissue and more pain. Frequent constipation is very likely at this stage.
Image taken from the Positive Health Organization
 http://www.positivehealth.com