Dr. Jessica Vaught discusses Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders, affecting an estimated 5-10% of women. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue that grows inside the uterus appears and flourishes outside the uterus, usually on the ovaries, but also on the fallopian tubes and other areas in the pelvis.

Symptoms

While some women with endometriosis experience no pain or discomfort, other women experience pain that ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms of endometriosis include:

- Painful, often disabling menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic and lower back pain
- Heavy or long menstrual periods
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary urgency
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, bloating and painful bowel movements
- Chronic fatigue
- Premenstrual spotting
- Headaches

Endometrial-like cells outside the uterus are influenced by a woman’s hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus, which is why symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.

Treatments

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, there are several treatment options, such as minimally invasive surgery, medications and hormone therapy.