What is Endometriosis?

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs in about 10-15% of all reproductive age women and can cause pelvic pain or reduced fertility (infertility). Many of these women with suspected endometriosis are curious “what is endometriosis?”

Endometriosis can be defined as an abnormal gynecological condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterine cavity (“endometrium”) implants and grows in other areas of a woman’s body. 

Endometriosis often but not always causes pelvic pain. Pelvic pain due to endometriosis can result in painful pelvic and lower back pain at the time of menses (dysmenorrhea), pelvic and lower back pain that occurs throughout the menstrual cycle (persistent pelvic pain), pain in the pelvis that persists for over 6 months (chronic pelvic pain), pelvic pain with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), painful bowel movements (dyschezia) or discomfort with urination (dysuria).

Endometriosis can cause infertility. All stages of endometriosis reduce fertility, from minimal endometriosis (stage I) to severe endometriosis (stage IV). Endometriosis that causes infertility is best treated by the surgical removal of the endometriosis implants. Medical management of endometriosis is useful in controlling endometriosis-related pelvic pain but it has not been shown to be useful in enhancing fertility.

Dr. Eric Daiter at The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC has extensive experience in the treatment of endometriosis and would like to help you. For an appointment to discuss your situation with Dr. Daiter, please call the office at 908 226 0250. For more information, visit us on the web at http://www.infertilitytutorials.com http://www.ericdaiter.com and http://www.drericdaitermd.com