Endometriosis is the condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterine cavity, has spread outside said cavity to other reproductive organs and even the abdomen.
This condition is characterized by extreme pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic areas, pain that can occur during menstruation, while having sexual intercourse, and even in the course of one's daily life.
In addition, it is not only extremely painful but is also a cause of infertility.
Statistics show that five to ten percent of all the women worldwide who suffer from endometriosis, and that a high percentage of these women - approximately thirty to forty percent - are infertile due to endometriosis.
While such debilitating pain is considered a hallmark of endometriosis, it is recommended that women suffering such pain consult Ob-Gyns as soon as they can instead of jumping to the conclusion that they already have it.
Endometriosis worsens over time, and sufferers who have received treatment for the condition may still experience a recurrence; this is why it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible should one suspect endometriosis.
These specialists will conduct laparoscopies to definitively determine if one really does have endometriosis or not.
In this procedure, a laparoscope is inserted into the vagina and the Ob-Gyn uses this instrument to search the vaginal and abdominal cavity for the presence of any endometrial tissue.
While at this point doctors are still uncertain whether endometriosis in and of itself really does cause infertility, the fact does remain that this condition can be so severe that it can scar the pelvis, distort its shape, and/or damage and block the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other reproductive organs.
Severe endometriosis so badly damages and blocks these tubes and, in addition, fills the ovaries with cysts, that as a result those unfortunate enough to suffer from the condition will find it impossible to conceive.
This makes early detection vital.
The good thing is that endometriosis can be dealt with if it is diagnosed correctly and early enough.
Ob-Gyns can prescribe certain medicines to deal with mild cases of endometriosis, as well as painkillers to help manage patients' pain.
In certain cases, doctors may also recommend surgical removal of any lesions or cysts that may have come about thanks to this condition.