Overcoming Period Myths with Dr. Lara Briden
Endometriosis
Learn important Endometriosis facts. Have informed conversations with your clinician.

What is Endometriosis?
Effecting 7-10 million US women, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium), is found outside of the womb, where the tissue should not be. As the tissue responds to the monthly fluctuations of a woman's menstrual cycle, inflammation occurs. Women often experience a decade-long delay in diagnosis. At this time, there is no known cause or cure.
The Lack of Research in Endometriosis
(and Women's Health)
When looking at the cost burden of disease relative to NIH research investment, it is 331:1 for diabetes yet 13,000:1 for endometriosis. Yet endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 US women!
— Piraye Beim, Founder and CEO, Celmatix
Endometriosis Foundation of America 10th Annual Conference, 2019

Your Thyroid
What are typical Endometriosis Symptoms?
TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS TO HELP YOUR DOCTOR HELP YOU
Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, or back
Painful cramps during menstruation
Heavy/long periods
Bleeding between menstrual cycles
Painful intercourse
Bladder problems
Bowel problems (diarrhea and constipation)
Abdominal bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Chronic fatigue
Infertility
Recurrent miscarraige
Asymptomatic (i.e., silent endometriosis)
Learn More About Endometriosis on the Blog
The Critical Role You Must Play
Due to the limited amount of knowledge and training in endometriosis, it has a tendency to be misdiagnosed and mistreated. This is why in order to choose the right doctor, it is crucial that patients themselves are knowledgeable about the condition.
Where Endometriosis Can Grow in Your Body
And why the right team of surgeons is required should you decide on laparoscopic surgery
1.
Uterus
2.
Fallopian tubes
3.
Ovaries
4.
Uterosacral ligaments
5.
Peritoneum
6.
Spaces between the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum
7.
Bowel, intestines, appendix, or rectum

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1
Laparoscopic Surgery
Diagnostic laparoscopy is the only way to verify endometriosis. If found during the procedure, it can be removed at that time. However, it is the pathology report that provides ultimate confirmation via the biopsy specimens from surgery. Given the complexity of endometriosis surgery, finding an expert is critical.
2
In-Office Exam /
Imaging Tests
Critical to know is doctors may conduct imaging tests like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasounds. While these, along with pelvic and rectovaginal exams, may indicate suspicion of endometriosis (or miss signs of it), they cannot provide confirmation. It is, however, common to obtain a pelvic ultrasound and MRI before undergoing the laparoscopy.
3
Endometrial Biopsy
High levels of BCL6 indicates inflammation usually associated with endometriosis. If trying to conceive, this limits the ability of the embryo to stick to the endometrial lining. ReceptivaDx™ can accurately detect inflammatory conditions on the uterine lining likely to cause implantation issues.