This condition is most commonly associated with painful menstrual period, pain with intercourse, pain during ovulation. Not all women who have menstrual pain have endometriosis. It is estimated that about 15% of women suffer from this condition. The medical profession has been criticized both for over diagnosing this condition and for ignoring women's complaints of the symptoms of endometriosis. You know your body better than anyone else and should pursue diagnosis and treatments based on your personal health goals.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. The endometrial uterine lining is shed during the menstrual period. The endometrial tissue outside the uterus cannot be shed as part of your normal monthly cycle or during your period. This tissue can build up month after month and cause scar tissue around the fallopian tubes or ovaries. This is what causes the pain and in some cases, infertility.

The definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is through laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure where the physician looks inside your abdomen for the presence of scar tissue. If endometriosis is detected, your physician may advise additional, more invasive surgery to remove the scar tissue. These surgeries may or may not be effective, because the endometrium may well grow again. A common medical treatment is to use birth control pills to stop ovulation and the continued growth of endometrial tissue. Of course you will then have the side effects and risks of taking the Pill.

Alternative treatments not avoid surgery and taking hormone-like drugs, but may be very successful in treating the chronic pain and building your immune system at the same time.

Accupuncture/Accupressure
Chinese herbal medicine or teas
Oil of Evening Primrose
B Complex Vitamins
Vitamin E and Selenium