What is endometriosis??

[MrsBrc]

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis implants can occur outside the pelvis, on the liver, in old surgery scars, and even in or around the lung or brain. Endometrial implants, while they can cause problems, are benign (not cancerous).

I personally struggle with Endo. I know how painful it is physically and emotionally. I know how it can take over ones life. You have to schedule everything around your AF because it feels like you cant do anything. I have stage 4 endo. Some months are OK and some are worst then ever. The good thing is you can control endo with BC pills. But since I am TTC I can't take them.

[heffabear]

I am so sorry that you are struggling with this, my cousin has this and when she was married they wondered why they were not conceing and come to find out it was Endo. She had lap surgery done and she now has a boy who is 2 1/2 and is currently pregnant with a little girl. Have you ever thought about having surgery to see if you can remove some of it?

[MrsBrc]

I had some removed in November 2007. So we'll see what happens.

Quoting heffabear:

I am so sorry that you are struggling with this, my cousin has this and when she was married they wondered why they were not conceing and come to find out it was Endo. She had lap surgery done and she now has a boy who is 2 1/2 and is currently pregnant with a little girl. Have you ever thought about having surgery to see if you can remove some of it?