Is it true that endometriosis is more common in some races?
Endometriosis FAQThere seems to be some evidence among researchers that Caucasian women are at greater risk than blacks. Two studies have found the prevalence of endometriosis in blacks to be half that of whites. However, the notion that black women rarely suffer from endometriosis is incorrect. Some data shows that the risk of disease among Asian women is even higher than in Caucasians. There are also several studies which suggest that this disease is more common among higher socio-economic groups of women.
Related QuestionsEndometriosisThere is some evidence among researchers that Caucasians are at greater risk than African Americans. Two studies have found that endometriosis occurs in African Americans half as often as in Caucasians. However, the notion that African-American women rarely suffer from endometriosis is incorrect. Some data shows that the risk of disease among Asian women is even higher than in Caucasians.Related Questions
How common is endometriosis?
Endometriosis FAQIn literature, the prevalence of this disease in the general population has been reported to be about five percent of the female population of reproductive age. However, in women with severe menstrual cramps, the incidence of endometriosis has been reported to be between 25 and 35 percent.
Related QuestionsWhat are the most common symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis FAQThe symptoms of endometriosis may be highly variable from one patient to another. The magnitude of the symptoms may not correlate with the extent of the disease, either. For example, a patient with severe disease may have very little pain. However, the likelihood of infertility does increase as the severity of the disease increases. The clinical presentation and symptoms of the disease are also frequently related to the anatomical site of the disease.
Related QuestionsWhy are ovaries the most common site of endometriosis?
Endometriosis FAQIf we accept the theory that retrograde menstruation is in large part responsible for the initiation of endometriosis in those women susceptible to the implantation of the endometrial cells, then the number one reason is the position of the ovary. The ovaries are adjacent to the opening of the tube in the pelvic area and that location alone will make the ovaries more prone to be contaminated with the regurgitated menstrual flow.
Related QuestionsWhat is endometriosis?
EndometriosisThe name endometriosis comes from the word "endometrium." This is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Endometriosis occurs when this tissue grows outside the uterus. These are called implants. The female hormone estrogen causes these implants to grow, bleed and break down, causing pain and swelling. This may or may not happen at the same time as your period. Unlike the tissue shed by the uterus during your period, these implants outside the uterus have no way to leave the body.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Fertility Questions, Virginia IVF & Androlo...Endometriosis is endometrium in an ectopic location that contains endometrial glands and stroma. In other words, it is uterine-like tissue that is growing outside the uterus causing pain and/or infertility. Its cause is unknown. There are many theories and people who will tell you they know what causes it, but every answer has contradictions. It could be genetics. It could be retrograde menses. It could be congenital. It could be all of the above or none of the above. We simply don't know.Related Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)Endometriosis is a condition which occurs when endometrial tissue, the tissue that lines the uterus and is shed during menstruation, grows outside the uterus. When this growth occurs outside the uterus, endometrial tissue can develop painful implants which are most common on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the ligaments that support the uterus. Other possible sites for endometrial growths are the bladder, bowel and vagina.Related Questions
EndoFAQEndometriosis is a disease in which tissue like the endometrium (the lining inside the uterus which builds up and sheds each month during menstruation) migrates outside the uterus to other areas of the body. These implants continue to break down and bleed; the result is internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of painful adhesions and scar tissue.Related Questions
What are the most common sites of endometriosis in the pelvic area?
Endometriosis FAQIf we accept the theory of retrograde menstruation as the main cause for the initiation of endometriosis, the ovaries are the most frequently involved organ (in 75 percent of cases) because of the unique characteristics of their site. The next most common areas are the posterior cul-de-sac (70 percent of cases), the area between the uterus and the bowel, and the anterior fold of the uterus between the uterus and the bladder (35 percent of cases).
Related QuestionsWhat are the other common areas outside of the pelvis where we find endometriosis?
Endometriosis FAQEndometriosis has been found in the appendix (2 - 5 percent of cases), large bowel (3 to 4 percent of cases) and the small bowel (less than one percent of cases). Much less frequently, we find endometriosis in the gall bladder, stomach, spleen and liver. At the time of a C-section, pieces of the uterine lining could be transplanted in the incision and start growing. In a recent study of 56 cases of endometriosis in surgical sites, almost half of the cases followed a C-section.
Related QuestionsIs it true that women who have their tubes tied are protected against endometriosis?
Endometriosis FAQTheoretically, blockage of the tubes by tubal ligation or by any other cause (for instance, pelvic inflammatory disease) should protect against the further production of endometriosis. However, a recent investigation of women requesting tubal ligation reversal has not supported this concept. The prevalence rates for endometriosis were found to range from 2 percent through 12 percent in two studies. When an infertile population is studied, these rates range from 5 percent through 35 percent.
Related QuestionsIs lupus common to all races?
The Lupie Bin - a lupus info website - Frequently Asked Ques...People of all races can get lupus. However, lupus is 2 to 3 times more common among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans than other races. Among African-American women, as many as 1 in 250 young women will develop lupus.
Related QuestionsQ34: How common is endometriosis?
ReproMed Fertility Center, Dallas - Frequently Asked Questio...According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), endometriosis is a common condition affecting 10 to 15 percent of reproductive-age women. Endometriosis occurs in about 30 percent of all infertility cases.
Related QuestionsIs it true that intercourse during the menstrual cycle increases the risk of endometriosis?
Endometriosis FAQThis has not been proved. It has been suggested that intercourse during menses might increase tubal activity and increase the backflow of the menstrual cycle through the tubes and thus increase the risk of endometriosis. However, there are no statistics to bear this out. A biopsy of the lesion does document the presence of endometrial tissue. I believe that the gross appearance of endometriosis and visual inspection of the pelvis is adequate and accurate for diagnosis of endometriosis.
Related QuestionsFrquently asked infertility questions - Oklahoma City fertil...The formal definition of endometriosis is endometrium in an ectopic location that contains endometrial glands and stroma. In other words, it is uterine-like tissue that is growing outside the uterus causing pain and/or infertility. Its cause is unknown. There are many theories, but every answer has contradictions. It could be genetics. It could be retrograde menses, menstruation that goes backwards through the tubes into the abdomen. It could be congenital. It could be immunological.Related Questions
Endometriosis FAQEndometriosis is a disease characterized by the presence of tissue which is histologically identical to endometrium (the inner lining of the uterine wall) outside the uterine cavity. Usually, endometriosis is confined to the pelvic and lower abdominal cavity; however, it has occasionally been reported to be in other areas, as well. Endometriosis is one of the most common problems that gynecologists currently face.Related Questions
What causes endometriosis?
EndometriosisNo one knows for sure what causes endometriosis or why some women have this condition, but it can run in families. There are a number of theories about how endometriosis actually develops. One theory is based on the belief that menstrual fluid that normally flows out of the vagina moves backwards up into the uterus (retrograde menstruation). Pieces of the uterine lining in this fluid attach themselves and grow on other organs.
Related QuestionsHow is endometriosis diagnosed?
EndometriosisEndometriosis is a puzzling disease. There are many roadblocks to diagnosing endometriosis. These range from professional ignorance of endometriosis, how the disease presents itself and the myths associated with the disease. There is no simple, accurate, noninvasive way to diagnose endometriosis. Certain symptoms may suggest to a doctor that a diagnosis is needed.
Related QuestionsHow is endometriosis treated?
EndometriosisThere are a number of treatment options available and success rates vary. In all cases, endometriosis can reoccur. There are a number of treatment options available and success rates vary. In all cases, endometriosis can reoccur. Drug therapy: This is usually your doctor's first course of action. Medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, control pain or regulate your hormonal levels. Surgical treatments: Doctors can operate to reduce pain and the number of implants and adhesions.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)Approximately 15% of all women during the childbearing years develop some degree of endometriosis before reaching menopause. The most common symptoms of the disease are pre-menstrual and menstrual pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse and urinary or bowel problems in conjunction with menstruation. In more serious cases, scar tissue may form on the ovary or fallopian tube, thus causing infertility.
Related QuestionsIs Endometriosis curable?
EndoFAQThere is currently no absolute cure for Endometriosis, but there are several methods of treatment, which may alleviate some of the pain and symptoms associated with it.
Related QuestionsWill Endometriosis kill me?
EndoFAQNot likely. There have been documented cases of malignant chances associated with Endometriosis and higher risks of certain cancers in women with the disease, but Endometriosis itself is classified as a benign illness.
Related QuestionsCan Endometriosis be prevented?
EndoFAQThere is no current manner of preventing Endometriosis, and it is not a disease which is "contracted" or "caused" by anything the patient did - nor is it contagious. It is, however, highly suspected to be genetic. I heard tampons and sex can prevent Endo. There was a study done on this by a major institution and it was all over the news, so it must be true. False.
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