Endometriosis is a medical condition that affects an estimated 10% of women in the U.S. alone. It occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause pain and other symptoms that vary in severity depending on your type of endometriosis. Let’s look at the different types of endometriosis and what they mean for your health.
Endometriosis Types
There are three main types of endometriosis, each with its symptoms and treatments. The three categories are superficial peritoneal, ovarian cysts, and deep infiltrating. Here’s a brief overview of each type:
Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis: This type involves growths on the surface layer of tissue lining the abdomen (the peritoneum). These growths usually appear as small spots or lesions. They can cause pain during periods or intercourse. Treatment typically includes surgery, medication, or lifestyle modification, depending on the patient’s preference and symptoms.
Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: This type involves growths penetrating deeper into tissues and organs. It can cause extensive scarring, severe pelvic pain, and difficulty getting pregnant. Treatment for this type may include surgical removal of the endometriosis lesions, medical therapy, lifestyle modification, and physical therapy. Deep infiltrating endometriosis can impact any organ in the body, such as the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, etc.
Ovarian Cysts: Also known as “chocolate cysts” because they contain dark-colored tissue and blood. These cysts form on or near the ovaries and can cause pain. Treatment for ovarian cysts may include the removal of the cyst through surgery.
Endometriosis is a complex condition with many potential treatments available. In general, there are three types of endometriosis which include superficial endometriosis, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and endometrioma. The type of endometriosis might impact your treatment plan. It’s important to talk with your doctor about your specific case so that you can better understand your diagnosis and treatment options in the future. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms related to endometriosis, such as pelvic pain or painful sex, make sure you get checked out by a qualified healthcare professional who can provide further guidance on managing your condition effectively!
