This condition occurs when tissue grows outside the uterus instead of inside.
Endometriosis
What is the most common symptom of endometriosis?
extremely painful period cramps
These two diagnostic tools can suggest endometriosis before surgery.
MRI and pelvic exams
True or false? Currently, there are no known cures for endometriosis.
What condition is endometriosis commonly confused with?
PCOS
Endometriosis is classified as this type of condition, meaning it often lasts for years.
Chronic condition
True or false? Pain from endometriosis only happens during menstruation
False
True or false? Endometriosis is very commonly misdiagnosed.
true
One treatment approach focuses on lowering this hormone in the body.
estrogen
Many patients are told their symptoms are just normal ____ ____.
period pains/cramps
This body process is triggered when endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus becomes inflamed.
Inflamation
Bleeding during menstruation may be described as heavier or more _____.
irregular
On average, it takes this many years to receive an accurate diagnosis after symptoms begin.
7-10 years
What method may be used to treat endometriosis in severe cases?
surgery
True or false? You cannot have both PCOS and endometriosis.
false, it is possible to have both
This is one major reason endometriosis is often diagnosed very late.
Lack of awareness or frequent misdiagnosis
Where does the blood inside the tissue made by endometriosis go?
Endometriosis is often mistaken for these two conditions.
IBS and anxiety
Eating more
1. Fiber
2. Antioxidants
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Recall: Why might PCOS be confused with endometriosis?
They both have similar symptoms
How can endometriosis continue causing pain even when someone is not actively menstruating?
Misplaced tissue still responds to hormonal changes, causing inflammation and pain even outside of active bleeding
The scientific term for debilitating pain and cramps is known as _____.
dysmenorrhea
This surgical procedure is commonly used to definitively diagnose endometriosis.
What are progestins?
Compounds that help protect the uterine lining
Recall: How are endometriosis and PCOS medically different?
Endometriosis involves tissue growing outside the uterus, PCOS involves cysts growing inside the ovaries.