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Four Stages of Endometriosis

Endometriosis has Different Stages…Really?

Endometriosis is categorized into four (4) different stages based on the level of severity of the disease – the location, amount, and size of the endometrial implants. Specific criteria include:

  • The extent of the spread of the implants
  • The involvement of pelvic structures in the disease
  • The extent of pelvic adhesions
  • The blockage of fallopian tubes

Endo Diagram

But what does this really mean for women who suffer from Endometriosis?

Stage IMinimal
At this first stage of endometriosis the implants have not spread to many female organs. The implants may attach themselves to the narrow spaces between organs.

Stage IIMild
The number of implants increases slightly and more organs are affected i.e. more adhesions and scar tissue form on the female organs.

Stage IIIModerate
The number of implants increases and covers more organs. By this time both ovaries are likely to be covered and the implants may now affect the fallopian tubes and even the rectum, vagina and cervix.

Stage IVSevere
The implants will have spread to just about every organ in the pelvic cavity. More implants mean more scar tissue, larger adhesions and perhaps more pain.

Stages of Endometriosis

It’s important to note that the stage of the endometriosis does not necessarily reflect the level of pain experienced, risk of infertility or symptoms present.

If you have been diagnosed with Endometriosis and you weren’t told what stage you have, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor. Knowing what stage you are is helpful when discussing treatment options with your health care professional. You have a right to know.



References:
http://www.asrm.org/Endometriosis_booklet/
http://www.fibroids-and-endometriosis-help.com/stages-of-endometriosis.html

1 Comment

  1. Shanique
    September 15, 2015
    Reply

    I have been suffering from severe period pain… I have to be absent from work every time I’m seeing my period. I went to the doctor, He told me that I have endometriosis.. I didn’t ask what stage I have. Every pill I take don’t help for more than three days. I really don’t know what to do.

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