Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis.
It is a complex disease that affects many women globally from the onset of their first period (menarche) through menopause, regardless of ethnic origin or social status. From a recent post of the World Health Organization dated March 2023 – there’s approximately 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women affected worldwide.
Mayo Clinic explains how the disease develops. The endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. That’s how adhesion is formed.
As you may know, this is really close to my heart. I’ve been suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis for years now. Unfortunately, last tests confirmed more adhesions and advancement to stage 4.
Like many endowarriors, I’m hopeful still… Eyeing on procedures like laparoscopy which is less invasive and can remove and break up adhesions. This is my second laparoscopic procedure though and my next plan after getting hormonal treatments. For fellow sufferers, talk to your doctor for alternative options regarding our invisible illness. Surgery should be the last as this can also cause more adhesions according to recent studies. ❤
mypanoplies 