by Regina

Created on: December 20, 2006   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

"Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body." - Endometriosis.org

Endometriosis in some women, like myself, can actually change their life with the excruciating pain that is often felt. And the most horrible thing? There is no specific known cause, and definitely no cure. There are theories out there that do not prove or explain everything, but the very basic ideas of some are listed below.

METAPLASIA - the basic concept is that the endometric tissue cells can replace other normal cells, placing them outside of their normal location.

RETROGRADE MENSTRUATION - this idea essentially goes with the concept of a reversed cycle into the pelvic area where the tissue then lays its seeds and grows.

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION - basically if you're one step away from someone who had it, you're likely to get it. (IE, my mother had it and so do I)

LYMPHATIC OR VASCULAR DISTRIBUTION - may travel through blood vessels or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

IMMUNE DISORDER - they really don't know if it's a cause or an effect, but only that women with Endometriosis appear to have a problem.

Like I mentioned previously, there is not yet a cure for Endometriosis, but there are several treatment options.

PAIN KILLERS - used to help mild the pain from the Endometriosis.

HORMONAL TREATMENTS - these do not make the Endometriosis go away, but in some they do help the pain. Negatively though, many of them cause an imbalance in regular female hormones and can cause permanent changes such as facial hair and deepening of the voice

LAPARASCOPIC SURGERY - The only way a doctor can know for sure if the Endometriosis exists. The doctor can laser the cells, essentially zapping them while looking. This can cause temporary treatment, but can also create more pain due to the scar tissue that the cells cling to.

HYSTERECTOMY - often said to be the only definitive way to cure it, but it has been known to come back even after a full hysterectomy procedure.

Endometriosis is serious, painful, paralyzing, and can change any woman that has it. If you know someone with Endometriosis, please be supportive and understanding on what I call 'bad days'. If you think you might have Endometriosis talk with you doctors. Either way, if you need support or want more information try the following places online.

Endometriosis.org
endometriosisassn.org

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