What are the four stages of endometriosis?

Today, infertility in females has been growing like anything. Endometriosis is one such disorder that accounts for approximately thirty percent of female infertility. It is an abnormal growth of the endometrium, a tissue that generally grows inside the uterus lining, but here it grows outside of it (sometimes on the ovary or tubes too).

This can induce a persistent inflammatory reaction, scar tissue, and adhesions that may deteriorate a woman’s pelvic region from inside. Endometriosis is primarily found in young women, but its occurrence isn’t associated with any ethnic or social group distinctions. 

Often, the patients with endometriosis complain of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia. Associated symptoms of endometriosis can impact the patient’s general physical, mental, and social well being.

For years IVF doctors have been trying to find causes, but it has only resulted in theories. Definite causes aren’t certain yet, but there are widely accepted theories for the same. Endometriosis is believed to be caused by retrograde menstruation, transformation of peritoneal cells, embryonic cell transformation, surgical scar implantation, endometrial cell transport, and immune system disorder.

Stages of Endometriosis:

Endometriosis can be divided into four stages: Minimal, Mild, Moderate, and Severe. Often laparoscopy is used to diagnose the stage. Depending upon the location, extent, and depth of endometriosis implants (tissues); the presence and severity of adhesions; and the presence and size of ovarian endometriomas, the doctor determines that at which stage the disease is at.

The classification of the stage is done by the point system, they also help in sharing the situation better, if you might consult a different doctor. Stages are explained below:

• Stage 1: Minimal Endometriosis (Less than 4 points)

At this stage, there will be smaller and fewer wounds or lesions. They will be even shallow in nature. Apart from the uterus, ovary, and tubes, they may be found on the other organs or tissue linings like in the pelvis or abdomen. Scar tissue is absent at this stage. 

• Stage 2: Mild Endometriosis (4-10)

The implants are a bit more than stage one. Also, they must have grown deeper into the tissue, there might be some scar tissue as well.

• Stage 3: Moderate Endometriosis (11-30)

Implants are deeper and more in number as well. At this stage, cysts on either or both the ovaries might get form too. Adhesions (thick bands) are much thicker and more.

The cysts, in this case, are results of bleeding and tissue generation because of the adhesions and complex growth of the endometrium. The adhesions are the scar tissue that forms when the body tries to heal from the inflammation caused by endometriosis.

They even cause organs to needlessly stick together, and this results in sharp & stabbing pains, as well as nausea.

• Stage 4: Severe Endometriosis (More than 30)

Condition is just a worsened case of Stage 3. Increased number of cysts and adhesions. During this stage, adhesions join the organs like a natural band wrapped on them. 

Further, it is not valid to associate the pain with endometriosis. A woman with minimal endometriosis might feel more pain than a woman with even moderate one.

This happens because of the different hormones and menstrual structures of different women. Without examination, no doctor can term you with endometriosis, and the stage.

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