Learn important Endometriosis facts. Have informed conversations with your clinician.
What is Endometriosis?
Effecting 7-10 million US women, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium), is found outside of the womb, where the tissue should not be. As the tissue responds to the monthly fluctuations of a woman's menstrual cycle, inflammation occurs. Women often experience a decade-long delay in diagnosis. At this time, there is no known cause or cure.
What are typical Endometriosis Symptoms?
TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS TO HELP YOUR DOCTOR HELP YOU
Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or back
Painful cramps during menstruation
Bleeding between menstrual cycles
Bowel problems (diarrhea and constipation)
Nausea and vomiting
Asymptomatic (i.e., silent endometriosis)
Where Endometriosis Can Grow in Your Body
And why the right team of surgeons is required should you decide on laparoscopic surgery
Spaces between the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum
Bowel, intestines, appendix, or rectum
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Diagnostic laparoscopy is the only way to verify endometriosis. If found during the procedure, it can be removed at that time. However, it is the pathology report that provides ultimate confirmation via the biopsy specimens from surgery. Given the complexity of endometriosis surgery, finding an expert is critical.
In-Office Exam /
Critical to know is doctors may conduct imaging tests like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasounds. While these, along with pelvic and rectovaginal exams, may indicate suspicion of endometriosis (or miss signs of it), they cannot provide confirmation. It is, however, common to obtain a pelvic ultrasound and MRI before undergoing the laparoscopy.
High levels of BCL6 indicates inflammation usually associated with endometriosis. If trying to conceive, this limits the ability of the embryo to stick to the endometrial lining. ReceptivaDx™ can accurately detect inflammatory conditions on the uterine lining likely to cause implantation issues.