Endometriosis Stages

Endometriosis is a medical term that is defined as the abnormal growth of endometrial cells that spread to areas in the body where they do not belong. As the menstrual period approaches, these implants swell with blood and bleed into the surrounding areas and tissues. As there is no place for the tissue and blood to flow, this condition causes considerable inflammation and pain. There are various stages and treatment methods depend on the stage.

When endometriosis is suspected, patients are advised to record their symptoms, particularly the pelvic pain in relation to the menstrual cycle. During treatment, they are asked to describe their symptoms, sites of pain and if the pelvic pain worsens during menstruation. A routine pelvic examination is required to diagnose the condition, evaluate the stage and check for abnormalities like cysts or scars. Physical examination has its limitations. A pelvic exam alone will not pinpoint exactly what stage a patient is in, the degree of implantation or the cause of pelvic pain. Other tests may be necessary to confirm endometriosis and the specific stage.

Staging is useful in tracking and treating endometriosis. It involves tracking the stages of the disease so a treatment strategy can be initiated. Tracking of endometriosis stages helps evaluate a patient's response to treatment. Dr. Stanley West, reproductive health physician and author of The Hysterectomy Hoax, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, has categorized endometriosis into four stages. Stage one involves a few endometrial implants, most often in the cul-de-sac of a woman?s pelvic area. Stage two has mild to moderate levels of endometrial implants affecting one or both ovaries. Stage three has moderate levels of endometriosis with implants in several reproductive areas and in one or both ovaries. Stage four is the most severe with widespread endometriosis implants throughout the pelvic area. The more widespread the endometriosis, the more is the likelihood of fertility problems.

Various tools such as transvaginal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, trial drug period and laparoscopy are used to determine the endometriosis stage in a patient. If ultrasound techniques fail to detect endometrial implants, laparoscopy becomes necessary. Although more expensive, laparoscopy is the most accurate method for diagnosing endometriosis and confirming endometriosis stages. Laparoscopy involves minor surgery under general anesthetic.

Endometriosis ceases to be a problem after menopause. Although endometriosis is a difficult condition to treat, there are several steps that a woman can take to reduce the suffering that comes with the various endometriosis stages