Stages of Endometriosis

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterine wall. It thickens and sheds during a normal menstrual cycle. Sometimes, this tissue grows in other places outside of the uterus. When this happens, it cannot be shed in the usual ways. Over time, it causes lesions and scar tissue. This condition is called endometriosis, and causes a person to experience a lot of discomfort and pain.  

Endometriosis is a complex condition, and while no cure has yet been found, there are ways to manage the symptoms it causes. In this article, we shall discuss the types of endometriosis, as well, the symptoms, treatments and methods of managing it. The goal is to shed light on the condition and the impact it has on a person’s fertility and overall health.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is an abnormal tissue growth inside the body that affects almost 200 million girls and women all over the world. Tissue similar to that found in the uterine lining is found developing outside of the uterus such as on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In extreme and rare cases, this tissue growth can be found in the pelvic cavity, or around the kidneys, bladder and bowels. While the uterus can shed this lining through a menstrual cycle, there are no outlets when this lining develops elsewhere in the body. This causes a person to experience extreme pain and discomfort.

Types of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is categorized into three based on the location it is developing in, and how widespread it is in that area. Let us take a closer look: 

Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis 

This is the most common type of endometriosis and comprises more than 50 percent of all the cases of endometriosis. It is usually found on the surface of the inner lining of the abdomen. It presents as shallow lesions along this lining, and causes pain or discomfort when a person is having sex, menstruating or urinating, and can also cause infertility. 

Ovarian Endometriosis 

Ovarian endometriosis presents as lesions inside the ovaries that are called endometriomas, inside the ovaries. These lesions are filled with endometrial fluid which is dark brown in color, earning them the name ‘chocolate cysts’. The symptoms caused by endometriomas are similar to those caused by superficial endometriosis, in addition, a person experiences nausea, bloating, back pain, and vomiting.  

Deeply Infiltrative Endometriosis 

Deeply infiltrative endometriosis is found deep in the body, developing around the bladder or kidneys, the intestines or stomach. Typically a person will experience an increase in the frequency of urination, and blood can be seen in their urine. As well, they will experience pain in the lower back and the pelvis. Deeply infiltrative endometriosis can cause one to even lose function of their kidneys. As a result of its severity, it does not respond to medications, therefore it is treated surgically. 

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The symptoms of endometriosis present based on the type, its location, how wide spread, and its severity. While symptoms may vary from one type of endometriosis to another, there are some commonalities such as: 

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating, especially around the time of menstruation
• Painful urination and bowel movements, especially during a period
• Pain in the pelvis and stomach 
• Severe cramps before or during a period, or both
• Bleeding between periods or heavy bleeding during a period
• Experiencing pain during or after sex - or both - in the lower abdomen 

Stages of Endometriosis

While all the symptoms point to extreme discomfort and pain, their intensity is not always a reflection of how severe the condition is. That is to say, a person can have very severe endometriosis and present milder symptoms than a person with moderate endometriosis. The most accurate way to know how severe the condition is is through diagnostic testing. Endometriosis develops through several stages:

1. Stage 1 Endometriosis: Stage 1 endometriosis presents in the inner lining of the abdomen, with small lesions. There is typically very little to no scar tissue. 
2. Stage 2 Endometriosis: Stage 2 endometriosis presents in the inner lining of the abdomen, with the lesions set even deeper into the abdominal lining. As well, more scar tissue is seen. 
3. Stage 3 Endometriosis: Stage 3 endometriosis is found around the ovaries, presenting cysts in addition to multiple lesions in the abdominal lining. At this stage, the scar tissue forms as bands in the pelvic area.  
4. Stage 4 Endometriosis: Stage 4 endometriosis is the most severe form of the condition, presenting with ovarian cysts that are large, and scar tissue that is so dense, it causes several organs to become attached to each other. 

Endometriosis and Fertility

30 to 50 percent of the cases of endometriosis result in infertility due to the endometrium growing on and around the uterus. The good news is that there are treatments for endometriosis and through assisted reproductive technologies, patients can build families.  Let us look into the fertility treatments available for various stages of endometriosis:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI treatments are ideal for people who have Stage 1 or Stage 2 endometriosis, as long as their fallopian tubes are not blocked and their eggs have not been affected by the condition. IUI is also affordable and minimally invasive. If several rounds of IUI are not successful, a person can opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)

While IVF is much more pricey than IUI, it is a highly successful form of assisted reproductive technology. IVF has often succeeded where other fertility treatments have not, and helping patients to overcome infertility. Further, it often requires fewer treatment rounds for success than IUI treatments. However, it is more invasive than IUI, and many people have opted for IVF when IUI treatments have been unsuccessful. 

Surgery

Surgery is used to treat advanced endometriosis, especially in cases where scar tissue could prevent the success of fertility treatments. Removing the scar tissue and cysts increases the chances of the success of fertility treatments, and lowers the risk of complications caused by endometriosis as it advances.

See a Doctor 

If endometriosis is left untreated, it could result in infertility and also influence  the development of certain types of cancer. Therefore it is vital to see a professional healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms that are similar to those of endometriosis as described above. locationsYou can  expect to have blood and urine tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. As well, a laparoscopic procedure to investigate the presence of endometriosis. Typically endometriosis is treated with hormone-based therapies to inhibit the growth of endometrial tissue, pain medication to manage the discomfort, and surgery for the more severe cases, to remove the endometrial tissue from the body. 

Contact Us

If you have any further queries regarding endometriosis or you desire to build a family and would like to know the options available to you, There is a team of professionals at IVF Fertility Center who are more than ready to answer your questions and walk with you on your family building journey. Contact us at any of our locations countrywide for expert, compassionate care.