Affecting Over 6 Million Women in America: Endometriosis

NuHealth Women's Care 

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

 

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue that grows inside the uterus, grows outside the uterus on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other areas in the pelvis. Affecting over 6 million females in North America, it is one of the most common gynecological disorders (Endometriosis Association).

This painful, chronic disease has an unknown cause, but some experts believe that it is the result of retrograde menstruation: when menstrual tissue that backs up through the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen and grows (Mayo Clinic). Another theory suggests that endometrial tissue is distributed from the uterus to other parts of the body through the lymph stem or blood system (Endometriosis Association). Genetics may be a factor, according to another theory, which thinks it may be carried in the genes in certain families, possibly through predisposing factors (Endometriosis Association).

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, usually associated with your menstrual period. Some common signs and symptoms of endometriosis could be pain before and during menstruation with excessive cramping and aching, pain during sexual intercourse, infertility, fatigue, painful urination during menstruation and gastrointestinal upsets (Mayo Clinic).

Fortunately, effective treatments are available for endometriosis. Schedule a visit with the NuHealth Women’s Care general gynecological unit if you have symptoms that are similar to those listed above. For more information, call 516-572-6566 or visit the NuHealth Women’s Care website, NuHealth Women's Care Website.