What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. There are four stages of endometriosis. All stages can cause a substantial amount of pain, amongst other symptoms. It can grow onto organs, most often the bladder and bowels. But, it has been found on almost every organ (including the brain!) It affects around 1 in 10 women.
There is currently no known cure for endometriosis. There are only treatments to control symptoms. Doctors and researchers are currently unsure of the direct cause of endometriosis, but have found there to be a genetic link.
Endometriosis Adhesions and Lesions: The difference
Adhesions
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue. Lesions and inflammation can cause it. They form when lesions bleed and become inflamed. Adhesions can vary; they may be thin and flimsy, or sometimes they are thick and dense.
Lesions
Lesions are patches of endometriosis tissue that grow outside of the uterus. It's caused by endometriosis itself.
Both require surgery for removal.
The stages of endometriosis
Stage 1: Minimal
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 1: Minimal
- Few superficial lesions (shallow implants)
- Little to no scar tissue
- May include small spots on the lining of the abdomen or ovaries
Stage 2: Mild
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 1: Minimal
- More lesions than Stage I, still mostly superficial
- Lesions may be deeper than in Stage I
- Small adhesions may be present
- Lesions typically remain in the pelvic region
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 3: Moderate
- Many deep implants
- Small cysts on one or both ovaries (endometriomas)
- More significant adhesions
- Organs may begin to stick together
Stage 4: Severe
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 3: Moderate
- Extensive, deep implants
- Large endometriomas (chocolate cysts) on the ovaries
- Dense adhesions involving multiple organs
- Pelvic anatomy may be significantly distorted
Important reminders:
The stage of endometriosis someone has is determined surgically, usually via laparoscopy. Stage does not equal pain level. A person with Stage 1 may have debilitating pain, while someone with Stage 4 may feel very little. Staging helps guide treatment plans, but doesn’t capture the full impact of the disease on quality of life.
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