What is Endometriosis?

[amanda2008]

My mom had it after she had me, and once she was diagnosised with that, she couldnt have children, is it something that could also be passed down?

[dnikki0928]

I found the following on Endometriosis.org: There is sooo much about it, it would have taken me forever to type it! :) There isn't an exact cause of it, and they aren't 100% positive if it's passed down to children. My mom, aunt, and grandma all had it - and so do I, but my sister doesn't.... If you have any questions or want to talk about it, I will help in any way possible, just send me a message:) Good Luck   Do you have ANY pelvic pain?

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 lesions can be found anywhere in the pelvic cavity: on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and on the pelvic sidewall. Other common sites include the uterosacral ligaments, the cul-de-sac, the Pouch of Douglas, and in the rectal-vaginal septum.

In addition, it can be found in caecarian-section scars, laparoscopy or laparotomy scars, and on the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum.

In rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder, on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways.

Endometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis."

It is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile.

If you or someone you care about has endometriosis, it is important to research the disease as much as possible. Many myths and misconceptions about endometriosis still persist, even in medical literature. For many women, management of this disease may be a long-term process. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself, take the time to find a good doctor, and consider joining a local support group.

[amanda2008]

i have had a little bit, i dont think it's significant enough to make a doctors appointment, however i was just worried because i'm 24 now and thats about the age my mom got it, and i still want to have another child, so i was just kinda worried about getting it. Thanks very much for the info, i really appreciate it.

[dnikki0928]

Keep in mind some women with severe endo have hardly any pain, and some women with little endo have severe pain.... I don't want to scare you, but it's something that you need to keep in mind especially to preserve your fertility. I am 22, and when I was 19 I was told by a specialist in endo to find my Mr. Wonderful have my kids and be done. Thank goodness I had already found my husband. I have had a total of 4 laparoscopies now and we have one precious child and he is now 17 months. We have been TTC again for the past year and it's been quite a journey. After I had my son, my GYN and RE said I would have to try to have my children back to back.... we'll see what this month brings :)  A lot of people will say your soo young and have all the time - but not in my case and they don't understand that. So, just to be safe, I would make an appt.  Keep me posted and Good luck!!! :)