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 (chocolate cyst) is a term used to describe a cyst of endometriosis which has formed in one or both ovaries. 

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. Approximately 130,000 girls and women have endometriosis in New Zealand.

Have a look at this video which explains endometriosis and was launched by the World Endometriosis Society (WES) in conjunction with their March Awareness campaign for 2011.  

 

Stages or Grades of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is often classified as mild, moderate or severe or recorded in surgical notes as stage or grade I - IV. 

1.   Mild or stage / grade I endometriosis appears as small patches or surface lesions scattered around the pelvic cavity.

2.   Moderate or stage / grade I or II endometriosis appears as larger widespread disease starting to infiltrate tissue and often found on the ovaries, uterosacral ligaments and Pouch of Douglas. Sometimes there is also significant scarring and adhesions.

3.  Severe or stage / grade IV endometriosis affects most of the pelvic organs, often with distortion of the anatomy and adhesions.

These stages of endometriosis are accepted worldwide and described by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.  They provide a useful tool but have limitations as well.  For instance the extent of endometriosis is not generally related to the symptoms experienced.

What Causes Endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is not fully understood at present though there are several theories.  Intensive and extensive research around genetics, immunological and environmental factors continue and further research exploring a range of potential causes and contributing factors is being investigated. It is likely that the cause will be multi-factorial.

Endometriosis seems to run in families, so you are more likely to have it if there is a family history. It is important to remember not everyone who has had symptoms will have been diagnosed.  

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