Endometriosis is a disease affecting women and is characterized by the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) outside of the uterus. The uterine endometrium during the first half of the menstrual cycle increases in thickness and during the second half, acquires a spongy-like consistency to facilitate embryo implantation. If there is no pregnancy, the uterine endometrium sheds along with the menstrual blood during the menstrual period. The same cyclic changes also occur in the endometrium of endometriosis which causes bleeding into the abdomen or other organs, inflammatory reaction, development of adhesions (scar tissue), or appearance of cysts filled with blood which, over time, acquire a consistency of liquid chocolate (chocolate cysts).
Did you know?
That Endometriosis can be a cause of a variety of symptoms and health issues including chronic pains, heavy menstrual periods and infertility? Or that Endometriosis can spread from the reproductive organs to other parts of the body including urinary bladder and intestines? Endometriosis can be treated through a number of methods resulting in the lessening or cessation of pains as well as the other symptoms of the disease. Learn more about your options from the Endometriosis Institute.
