What is Endometriosis?
When a woman has endometriosis, the tissue that lines her uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. No one is sure why this happens. When this tissue grows outside of the uterus, it is mostly found in the pelvic cavity, usually in one or more of these places: on or under the ovaries, behind the uterus, on the tissues that hold the uterus in place, or on the bowels or bladder. In very rare cases, endometriosis areas can grow in the lungs or other parts of the body. As the tissue grows, it can develop into growths, also called tumors or implants. These growths are usually benign (not cancerous) and rarely are associated with cancer. Growths can cause mild to severe pain, infertility (not being able to get pregnant), and heavy periods. The endometriosis growths are affected by the monthly menstrual cycle. Each month, the lining of the uterus thickens to get ready for pregnancy. If a woman does not become pregnant, the lining of the uterus sheds and the woman bleeds. Whe
A. As defined by Encarta Encyclopedia: Endometriosis, medical disorder in which tissue from the lining of the uterus implants and grows in the pelvic cavity and other parts of the body. The severity of the condition varies widely: In some women, endometriosis causes no symptoms; in others it is painful and debilitating. Experts estimate that endometriosis occurs in approximately 10 to 15 percent of menstruating women between the ages of 25 and 44, most often in women who have never given birth.
