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Information on endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which cells similar to the endometrial cells — which normally grow inside the uterus to form the endometrium — grow outside the uterus instead. Such growths are usually found on the outer wall of the uterus, on the ovaries and the Fallopian tubes, and on the intestines. They obstruct the normal functioning of the reproductive and digestive systems as well as the bladder and often cause chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis. Other symptoms include pain during bowel movements or sexual intercourse, nausea, unusually heavy or painful menstrual periods and infertility.
Usually, an initial diagnosis is done based on symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should ask your doctor for an opinion. After going through your medical history and performing a physical examination, if your doctor is of the opinion that you may have endometriosis, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging tests will need to be done. However, these too are not always conclusive. If the tests do not indicate endometriosis or any other disease or condition, and if symptoms still persist, a laparoscopy will need to be done, perhaps along with a biopsy.
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