Bands of scar tissue that can form due to endometriosis or surgeries. They may bind organs together abnormally, leading to pain and organ dysfunction. Ablation: A surgical technique that destroys endometriosis tissue on the surface of organs, often using heat, laser, or electrical energy. Adenomyosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, leading to pain and heavy periods
A common symptom where the abdomen becomes visibly swollen due to inflammation, often cyclic and painful. Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or thinking clearly, often linked to chronic pain, fatigue, or hormonal changes.
One of the hallmark symptoms. Pain that persists for 6 months or more, often worsening during menstruation, ovulation, or sexual activity.
Endometriosis takes an average of 7–10 years to be diagnosed due to dismissal of symptoms and lack of awareness, even among medical professionals.
The gold standard for treating Endometriosis. It involves precisely removing the lesions from affected areas rather than just burning (ablation) them.
Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility. It may interfere with egg release, tube function, or uterine receptivity. Early excision can improve outcomes.
Medications that lower estrogen levels by switching off ovarian hormone production, used to temporarily control endometriosis symptoms.
A surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes performed to manage severe gynecological conditions.
Despite causing severe pain and fatigue, Endometriosis often lacks visible signs or imaging proof — leading to misunderstanding and stigma.
Endometriosis can begin in adolescence or even childhood. Severe period pain in teens should not be dismissed as “normal.”
Kisspeptin is a peptide involved in reproductive hormone regulation. Studies suggest Kisspeptin dysregulation may contribute to hormonal imbalance and infertility in Endometriosis patients.
It’s an emerging biomarker under study for early detection and reproductive dysfunction.
A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat Endometriosis. Only excision laparoscopy is considered effective for long-term relief.
Best results come from a team approach — gynecologists, surgeons, pain specialists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and mental health experts. Endometriosis is a systemic, estrogen-dependent disease in which ectopic endometrial-like tissue can infiltrate pelvic organs, the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and even extra-pelvic sites. Because of its multi-organ involvement and complex symptom profile, optimal management often requires a multidisciplinary team.
Endometriotic lesions can infiltrate or irritate nerves, leading to pain that’s sharp, radiating, or persistent — even if lesions are small or hidden.
Also called “chocolate cysts,” A fluid-filled ovarian cyst formed by endometriosis tissue, containing old, dark blood that gives it a chocolate-like appearance.
While some period discomfort is common, pain that interferes with daily activities is not normal and must be investigated.
Endometriosis-related pain can be localized to different abdominal quadrants, depending on lesion sites — right or left lower quadrant pain often mimics appendicitis or ovarian pathology.
A severe form where lesions grow between the rectum and vagina, often causing pain during bowel movements or intercourse.
Endometriosis lesions that are located on the surface of pelvic organs or tissues, without deep invasion
Rare but serious — Endometriosis can reach the diaphragm, lungs, or chest cavity, causing shoulder pain or cyclic breathing issues.
Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI can help detect certain lesions but may miss deep or microscopic ones. A normal scan does not rule out Endometriosis.
Vasculogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from endothelial precursor cells. In Endometriosis, abnormal vasculogenesis supports lesion survival and growth by supplying oxygen and nutrients.
The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. In Endometriosis, this pathway is abnormally activated, leading to:
A xenograft model is a type of experimental setup where human tissue or cells are implanted into another species (commonly mice) to study disease behavior. In Endometriosis research, xenograft models are used to:
The YAP1 (Yes-associated protein 1) pathway is part of the Hippo signaling system, which controls organ size and cell proliferation. In Endometriosis, YAP1 is found to be overexpressed, leading to:
There’s no cure yet — but effective management through excision surgery, holistic care, and lifestyle changes can help patients live full lives.
Additional Symptoms
Less Common but Reported
The exact cause is unknown. Possible factors include:
On average, 7–10 years from onset of symptoms — due to misdiagnosis, normalizing of period pain, and lack of trained specialists.
Yes. This is called Juvenile Endometriosis. Many teens with painful periods are misdiagnosed or ignored, delaying care.
Based on location:
Based on stage (ASRM classification):
Medical Management
Surgical Management
Supportive Care
Excision surgery by an expert is the gold standard. It addresses all types of lesions and offers better long-term outcomes compared to ablation or hormone suppression alone.
Yes. Recurrence rates vary:
Yes. First-degree relatives have 6–7 times higher risk. Genetics plays a major role in susceptibility.
Absolutely. Chronic pain, social isolation, fertility challenges, and being misunderstood lead to:
? Psychological support is essential.
? These support symptom management, but do not replace excision surgery.
? Advocacy for insurance and workplace rights is critical. Many insurance companies classify endometriosis primarily as a fertility issue rather than a chronic, systemic disease, which leads to denial of coverage for excision surgery. This overlooks that endometriosis can cause severe pain, organ damage, and loss of quality of life independent of infertility. As a result, patients often face high out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary treatment.
Advocacy for workplace rights is essential because endometriosis can cause chronic pain, fatigue, and unpredictable flare-ups that make traditional work structures challenging. Supportive policies like flexible schedules, medical leave, and awareness programs help employees manage their health while remaining productive.
There’s no known way to prevent it — but early recognition and expert treatment can stop disease progression and complications.
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