What do pain, infertility, scar-tissue formation, adhesions and bowel problems have in common? They are all things that can be caused by endometriosis, a condition that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the United States, 1 million in Canada and millions more worldwide. It occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus, usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly, they are found in the lung, arm, thigh and other locations.
To learn more about this condition, Austin Woman spoke to Dr. Lisa Jukes, an Austin gynecologist.
Source: Austin Woman: What causes endometriosis