| Endometriosis is a medical term that is defined as the | | | | response to treatment. Dr. Stanley West, reproductive |
| abnormal growth of endometrial cells that spread to | | | | health physician and author of The Hysterectomy |
| areas in the body where they do not belong. As the | | | | Hoax, the American Society for Reproductive |
| menstrual period approaches, these implants swell with | | | | Medicine, has categorized endometriosis into four |
| blood and bleed into the surrounding areas and tissues. | | | | stages. Stage one involves a few endometrial implants, |
| As there is no place for the tissue and blood to flow, | | | | most often in the cul-de-sac of a woman?s pelvic |
| this condition causes considerable inflammation and | | | | area. Stage two has mild to moderate levels of |
| pain. There are various stages and treatment methods | | | | endometrial implants affecting one or both ovaries. |
| depend on the stage. | | | | Stage three has moderate levels of endometriosis |
| When endometriosis is suspected, patients are advised | | | | with implants in several reproductive areas and in one |
| to record their symptoms, particularly the pelvic pain in | | | | or both ovaries. Stage four is the most severe with |
| relation to the menstrual cycle. During treatment, they | | | | widespread endometriosis implants throughout the |
| are asked to describe their symptoms, sites of pain | | | | pelvic area. The more widespread the endometriosis, |
| and if the pelvic pain worsens during menstruation. A | | | | the more is the likelihood of fertility problems. |
| routine pelvic examination is required to diagnose the | | | | Various tools such as transvaginal ultrasound, pelvic |
| condition, evaluate the stage and check for | | | | ultrasound, trial drug period and laparoscopy are used |
| abnormalities like cysts or scars. Physical examination | | | | to determine the endometriosis stage in a patient. If |
| has its limitations. A pelvic exam alone will not pinpoint | | | | ultrasound techniques fail to detect endometrial |
| exactly what stage a patient is in, the degree of | | | | implants, laparoscopy becomes necessary. Although |
| implantation or the cause of pelvic pain. Other tests | | | | more expensive, laparoscopy is the most accurate |
| may be necessary to confirm endometriosis and the | | | | method for diagnosing endometriosis and confirming |
| specific stage. | | | | endometriosis stages. Laparoscopy involves minor |
| Staging is useful in tracking and treating endometriosis. | | | | surgery under general anesthetic. |
| It involves tracking the stages of the disease so a | | | | Endometriosis ceases to be a problem after |
| treatment strategy can be initiated. Tracking of | | | | menopause. |
| endometriosis stages helps evaluate a patient's | | | | |