Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which normal endometrial tissue is located somewhere outside the uterus. The misplaced endometrial tissue is commonly within the pelvis (ovaries, uterine ligaments, pouch of Douglas, fallopian tubes, rectovaginal septum) and is often multifocal. Less commonly, it is found in remote sites, such as lymph nodes, lungs, heart, skeletal muscle, or bone. Commonly, endometriosis appears as an ovarian cyst, which, when ruptured, oozes a dark brown, hemorrhagic material; such cysts are called "chocolate cysts."

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Although in some individuals endometriosis may cause no symptoms, it can be associated with difficulty conceiving and pain.

The pain may be present as extremely painful menstrual periods. This pain with periods, known as dysmenorrhea, often becomes worse as a woman gets older. Pain with intercourse is not uncommon in women with endometriosis, and there may even be pain that persists throughout the month but is worse during periods.

Not everyone with endometriosis has pain; in fact, there is little correlation between the amount of endometriosis an individual has and the amount of pain she experiences. Sometimes a single, small implant may cause excruciating pain, while someone with severe disease may be pain free.

How does endometriosis affect fertilty?

The association of endometriosis with difficulty conceiving may occur in several ways. Endometrial implants are irritating to the body, and as a result, the body produces a group of substances known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins can alter not only the maturation and development of the egg within the ovary, but also the release of the egg from the ovary.

Endometriosis can affect the ability of the fallopian tube to functioning normally. By mechanically obstructing the ability of tube to capture the egg, endometriosis may contribute to the inability to conceive. Thus, even if ovulation does occur, the egg may not get into the fallopian tube.

Why do some women have endometriosis and others are not affected?

It is not clear why endometriosis occurs in some individuals and not in others, but about 10 to 20 percent of all reproductive-age females have been found to have endometriosis. Most patients at our center undergo an ultrasound evaluation at their first visit which in addition to a thorough history allows Dr. Goldstein to evaluate if endometriosis may be contributing to your inability to conceive. Factors associated with the development of endometriosis include delayed childbearing, long periods of uninterrupted menstrual cycles, abnormal pelvic anatomy, and stress. Many other factors have been associated with the development of endometriosis and there is even a genetic factor, meaning that you may inherit an increased likelihood of developing this process if a close relative has it.

Endometriosis is not visible by ultrasound unless there is ovarian involvement; endometriomas are visible by ultrasound. If significant endometriosis is present, the combination of a history, pelvic exam, and ultrasound will reveal it.

The only way to definatively diagnose endometriosis is by visualizing it. With a laparoscopy, Dr. Goldstein is able to evaluate if endometriosis is present and any adhesions or scarring that may have formed. Surgical removal of ovarian endometriomas can be removed at that time, if they are affecting your ability to conceive.