Endometriosis Explained

What is Endometriosis?

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus.  Endometriosis occurs when tissue like this is found growing in places outside the uterus where it shouldn't be.  The tissue can form lesions mostly found in the pelvic region, on places such as the pelvic lining (peritoneum), ovaries, bowel, ligaments and Pouch of Douglas.

Endometriosis can cause inflammation. It is common for scar tissue and adhesions to form. Occasionally endometriosis can be found in other parts of the body though this is rare.

An endometrioma is a term used to describe a cyst of endometriosis which has formed in one or both ovaries. It is often associated with advanced stage endometriosis.  An endometrioma used to be referred to as a chocolate cyst relating to the thick chocolatey type fluid found inside.  An endometrioma can sometimes be viewed on a scan, depending on the size of the cyst. 

Endometriosis is very common. The incidence (that which can be proven) is 1 in 10 women.  However, the prevalence is reported to be much higher as there are so many women and girls undiagnosed. Even using the most conservative data of 6% of the female population, it still means 130,000 women have endometriosis in New Zealand. ENZ is engaging in research to bring us closer to some answers.