Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their "reproductive years". This is approximately 176 million women worlwide, who have endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue, similar to the lining of the womb (uterus) grows in other areas of the body. This tissue grows mainly in the abdominal cavity. The tissue is linked to the woman’s hormonal cycle. However, unlike a period, the tissue remains within the body and bleeds forming adhesions (scar tissue), lesions and blood-filled cysts.
Doctors remain unsure as to the definitive cause of Endometriosis, which can only be diagnosed through surgery, though studies indicate that genetics, immune dysfunction and exposure to environmental toxicants may be contributing factors. The economic impact of Endometriosis is staggering: businesses lose, literally, *billions* of dollars each year in lost productivity and work time because of the disease. Endometriosis is more than just “painful periods.” The disease remains misdiagnosed, misunderstood and ineffectively treated, despite being one of the most prevalent causes of hysterectomy, infertility and pelvic pain in women and girls around the globe.
There is no absolute cure for this disease, just treatments to help including birth control, hormone therapy, and surgery. It is not unusual for a patient to undergo repeated surgeries and embark on different medical therapies; none offering long-term relief and many carrying highly negative side effects.
I will be undergoing my second lap next month to treat endo (2 surgeries in less than 3 years). Hopefully it will be my last but we just don't know, as the endo may continue to grow. We can always hope for a cure.
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