What is endometriosis?
BY DR. BROOKE WINNEREndometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus grow outside of it, though we still don’t fully understand how this happens.
One popular theory is that some people might be born with these cells in the wrong location. Each month, when a person has their period, these misplaced endometriosis cells also bleed but cannot exit the body. This trapped blood can lead to pain and inflammation in the abdomen and can cause complications over time.
Here are the key points about endometriosis:
The bleeding from endometriosis cells causes pain and inflammation.
Over time, this can lead to fibrosis (thickening of tissue) and adhesions (when organs stick together).
Symptoms include pain during intercourse, painful periods, and sometimes pain during bowel movements.
Endometriosis can form cysts in the ovaries called endometriomas, which can be detected by ultrasound, but smaller spots are often too tiny to see.
The most reliable way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery, which involves using a camera to look inside the belly. If endometriosis is found, it can be treated by burning or removing the tissue for lab examination. This method is considered the gold standard for diagnosis.
Do you prefer to watch it?
Dr. Brooke Winner explains endometriosis, its symptoms, and why laparoscopic surgery is the preferred treatment.
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