Endometriosis (pronounced end - oh – mee – trio – sis) is a condition where cells lining the uterus appear in other parts of the body. It can be chronic and debilitating and can also lead to infertility, fatigue, bowel and bladder problems. Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Glossary
This by no means an exhaustive list, please let us know if there are any terms you would like us to include)
A
Adenomyosis A disease where endometrial tissue grows in the muscle layer of the wall of the womb, bleeding and causing pain. This is not the same as endometriosis.
Adhesion Fibrous scar tissue that is formed inside the body. They are usually caused by trauma to tissue – which can happen with endometriosis or because of an injury, or during surgery. They are a cause of pelvic pain. They can attach organs to each other inside the pelvis, or to the pelvic wall.
Anaesthetic Induced loss of feeling and awareness in a patient. Anaesthetics can be either local or general. A general anesthetic puts the patient to sleep (makes them unconscious), a local anaesthetic will numb a part of the body.
B
Biopsy The removal of a sample of tissue for purposes of diagnosis. During a laparoscopy, the doctor may biopsy some tissue from your body, to see if it has endometriosis or other diseases. The biopsy is examined a laboratory.
Bone density: The measurement of how strong (dense) a person’s bones are, in their body. If a person’s bones become weak, and lose bone density – this can lead to them becoming brittle and easily broken. This is a condition called osteoporosis.
Bowel The section of the digestive system that runs from the stomach to the rectum (anus). It is also known as the intestine. The small bowel and the large bowel are the small intestine and large intestine, respectively. The bowel works by digesting and then absorbing the nutrients form the food we eat, then by making stools (faeces/poo).
Bone density: The measurement of how strong (dense) a person’s bones are, in their body. If a person’s bones become weak, and lose bone density – this can lead to them becoming brittle and easily broken. This is a condition called osteoporosis.
Bowel The section of the digestive system that runs from the stomach to the rectum (anus). It is also known as the intestine. The small bowel and the large bowel are the small intestine and large intestine, respectively. The bowel works by digesting and then absorbing the nutrients form the food we eat, then by making stools (faeces/poo).
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy Surgery to removal both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Bowel resection Surgery to remove a part of the bowel. The procedure may remove the portion of the bowel where an obstruction is located. Complications of a bowel resection include fistula, the formation of adhesions, and the possibility of a colostomy.
Bowel resection Surgery to remove a part of the bowel. The procedure may remove the portion of the bowel where an obstruction is located. Complications of a bowel resection include fistula, the formation of adhesions, and the possibility of a colostomy.
C
Cauterisation The removal or destruction of tissue with a laser or an electrical current. This can help with heavy bleeding and removal of endometriosis deposits.
Cervix The 'neck' of the womb or the opening between the body of the womb (uterus) and the vagina.
Chocolate cyst (endometrioma) A cyst in the ovary, filled with old blood, also known as an endometrioma. It occurs when there is bleeding into a cyst. They are called chocolate cysts because the blood is dark coloured and looks like liquid chocolate.
Chronic: Persistent and lasting a long time.
Cervix The 'neck' of the womb or the opening between the body of the womb (uterus) and the vagina.
Chocolate cyst (endometrioma) A cyst in the ovary, filled with old blood, also known as an endometrioma. It occurs when there is bleeding into a cyst. They are called chocolate cysts because the blood is dark coloured and looks like liquid chocolate.
Chronic: Persistent and lasting a long time.
Cul-de-sac The area between the womb (uterus) and the rectum. It is also known as the Pouch of Douglas.
Cystoscopy A procedure where the bladder is examined using a small telescope inserted through the urethra (tube where urine passes from the bladder to outside the body).
Cystoscopy A procedure where the bladder is examined using a small telescope inserted through the urethra (tube where urine passes from the bladder to outside the body).
D
Dysmenorrhea Painful periods.
Dyspareunia Painful sex.
E
Dyspareunia Painful sex.
E
Endometrioma A cyst in the ovary, filled with old blood, it occurs when there is bleeding into a cyst. They are also referred to as chocolate cysts.
F
Fallopian tube A tube that lies between the ovary and the womb, and transports the eggs to the womb. A woman has two Fallopian tubes.
Fatigue Extreme tiredness. It can come on quickly, or be a chronic condition.
Fibroid (leiomyoma) A benign tumour of the uterus (womb).
Follicles Areas in the ovary, filled with fluid, containing the eggs that are released during ovulation.
Fatigue Extreme tiredness. It can come on quickly, or be a chronic condition.
Fibroid (leiomyoma) A benign tumour of the uterus (womb).
Follicles Areas in the ovary, filled with fluid, containing the eggs that are released during ovulation.
G
Gonadotropins The hormones that control the function of your ovaries. They are called the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and the Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone – GnRH A hormone that controls the release of the gonadotropins (FSH and LH) from the pituitary gland.
GnRH Analogue (Agonist) - gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue The GnRH analogues are drugs that induce an artificial, medical, reversible menopause in women, as they stop the ovaries from functioning.
GnRH Agonists work by over-stimulating the release of the GnRH from the pituitary gland. This stops the FSH and LH from stimulating the ovaries and causing them to release eggs. This causes ovulation and periods to stop.
These drugs may cause symptoms similar to that of the menopause and can also cause a reduction in bone density, eventually leading to osteoporosis. For these reasons, GnRH agonists are prescribed as a temporary measure (e.g. for 6 months) so that they help with symptoms.
Gynaecologist A doctor who specialises in female conditions – primarily the reproductive and urological (kidneys, bladder etc) organs. Your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist to investigate symptoms.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone – GnRH A hormone that controls the release of the gonadotropins (FSH and LH) from the pituitary gland.
GnRH Analogue (Agonist) - gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue The GnRH analogues are drugs that induce an artificial, medical, reversible menopause in women, as they stop the ovaries from functioning.
GnRH Agonists work by over-stimulating the release of the GnRH from the pituitary gland. This stops the FSH and LH from stimulating the ovaries and causing them to release eggs. This causes ovulation and periods to stop.
These drugs may cause symptoms similar to that of the menopause and can also cause a reduction in bone density, eventually leading to osteoporosis. For these reasons, GnRH agonists are prescribed as a temporary measure (e.g. for 6 months) so that they help with symptoms.
Gynaecologist A doctor who specialises in female conditions – primarily the reproductive and urological (kidneys, bladder etc) organs. Your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist to investigate symptoms.
H
Hormone A chemical substance released inside the body that controls and maintains the activity of cells or organs.
Hormone Replacement Therapy – HRT Medication used to mimic the effects of oestrogen. It is prescribed after a hysterectomy or during menopause (either natural or medical) to counteract the effects of the menopause. Those effects include hot flushes, night seat, loss of libido, mood swings, loss of bone density and vaginal dryness. HRT has its own risks and should be carefully considered before taking.
Hysterectomy The removal of the womb from the body during surgery.
Hormone Replacement Therapy – HRT Medication used to mimic the effects of oestrogen. It is prescribed after a hysterectomy or during menopause (either natural or medical) to counteract the effects of the menopause. Those effects include hot flushes, night seat, loss of libido, mood swings, loss of bone density and vaginal dryness. HRT has its own risks and should be carefully considered before taking.
Hysterectomy The removal of the womb from the body during surgery.
I
Incision A cut made into the body, by a doctor during a surgical procedure.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Literally means "in glass." Fertilisation takes place outside the body in a small glass dish.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Literally means "in glass." Fertilisation takes place outside the body in a small glass dish.
Inflammation A way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injuries. Inflammation causes swelling and pain. With endometriosis, inflammation is caused by the release of hormones called prostaglandins.
Informed consent A contractual agreement between a healthcare professional and a patient, where the patient understand and agrees to any treatment or surgery and the implications and risks involved and what it is trying to achieve. This agreement should be based upon clear and accurate information being provided to them by the healthcare professional.
Intrauterine Inside the womb (uterus).
IUCD (Intrauterine Device) A device placed into the womb to prevent pregnancy.
IUCD (Intrauterine Device) A device placed into the womb to prevent pregnancy.
L
Laparoscope: An instrument, like a small telescope with a light on one end, used to look at the inside of the pelvis, during a laparoscopy.
Leiomyoma The medical term for fibroids.
Lesion A small area of abnormal tissue – can be caused by endometriosis, other diseases or injury.
Laparoscopy The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through a procedure called a laparoscopy. Usually done under general anaesthetic, a small telescope with a light on the end (the laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis through the navel (belly button). The laparoscope usually has a camera to transmit the images to a video monitor, which the surgeon uses to look inside the body. Carbon dioxide gas is used to extend the abdomen, to give the surgeon room to see the organs. The surgeon can move the laparoscope around the abdomen, to look for endometriosis. They may make another small cut to insert surgical instruments to treat the endometriosis or they might remove part of it to be examined at a later stage, this is known as a biopsy. After the procedure, the gas is removed.
Leiomyoma The medical term for fibroids.
Lesion A small area of abnormal tissue – can be caused by endometriosis, other diseases or injury.
Laparoscopy The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through a procedure called a laparoscopy. Usually done under general anaesthetic, a small telescope with a light on the end (the laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis through the navel (belly button). The laparoscope usually has a camera to transmit the images to a video monitor, which the surgeon uses to look inside the body. Carbon dioxide gas is used to extend the abdomen, to give the surgeon room to see the organs. The surgeon can move the laparoscope around the abdomen, to look for endometriosis. They may make another small cut to insert surgical instruments to treat the endometriosis or they might remove part of it to be examined at a later stage, this is known as a biopsy. After the procedure, the gas is removed.
M
Menopause When a woman’s ovaries stop functioning and her periods stop. This can either be artificially induced through drugs or a hysterectomy, or happen naturally.
Menorrhagia Heavy periods.
Menstruation The monthly cycle where the body prepares for pregnancy. Every month a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes. Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed – this is then released from the body as a period.
Menorrhagia Heavy periods.
Menstruation The monthly cycle where the body prepares for pregnancy. Every month a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes. Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed – this is then released from the body as a period.
N
Neurectomy The removal of a nerve, can be done to help relieve pain.
Neuropathic pain Pain caused by damage to the nervous system, which affects its ability to perceive pain. This pain is usually chronic and lasts longer than the time taken for damaged tissue to heal. It can be treated with pain modifiers such as anti-depressants or anti-convulsants. Please see our pain relief section for more details.
Neuropathic pain Pain caused by damage to the nervous system, which affects its ability to perceive pain. This pain is usually chronic and lasts longer than the time taken for damaged tissue to heal. It can be treated with pain modifiers such as anti-depressants or anti-convulsants. Please see our pain relief section for more details.
NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Voltarol and Ponstan (mefanemic acid) block the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins occur naturally, in response to injury or disease, and cause pain and inflammation. They have a number of functions including making the womb contract during a period (which helps with the shedding of the womb lining). These contractions can cause pain. It is thought that women with endometriosis may produce more prostaglandins than women without the condition.
O
Oestrogen The female sex hormone produced in the ovary. It is produced in response to hormones (FSH and LH) released from the pituitary gland and controls the female sex characteristics, e.g. breasts. It is responsible for the growth of womb lining.
Oligomenorrhea Infrequent periods
Oophorectomy The removal of one or both of the ovaries. When both ovaries are removed, the surgical procedure is called “bilateral oophorectomy,” whereas the removal of only one ovary is called “unilateral oophorectomy.” When both ovaries are removed, a woman will experience an instant and irreversible menopause, and will be unable to have children. Women under 50 who haven’t already had a natural menopause, that have an oophorectomy, will need to take some form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the oestrogen produced by the ovaries is responsible for stopping the bones from thinning.
Osteoporosis A disease where the bones lose density, become thin and brittle and break easily. Having osteoporosis makes a person more likely to break their bones frequently and they take longer to heal. It can also lead to changes in posture – notably the formation of a hunched back.
Oligomenorrhea Infrequent periods
Oophorectomy The removal of one or both of the ovaries. When both ovaries are removed, the surgical procedure is called “bilateral oophorectomy,” whereas the removal of only one ovary is called “unilateral oophorectomy.” When both ovaries are removed, a woman will experience an instant and irreversible menopause, and will be unable to have children. Women under 50 who haven’t already had a natural menopause, that have an oophorectomy, will need to take some form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the oestrogen produced by the ovaries is responsible for stopping the bones from thinning.
Osteoporosis A disease where the bones lose density, become thin and brittle and break easily. Having osteoporosis makes a person more likely to break their bones frequently and they take longer to heal. It can also lead to changes in posture – notably the formation of a hunched back.
Ovaries The organs that produce eggs in the female body.
Ovarian cyst A growth in or on the ovary, filled with fluid. Called an endometrioma, when caused by endometriosis and filled with dark, old blood.
Ovarian cyst A growth in or on the ovary, filled with fluid. Called an endometrioma, when caused by endometriosis and filled with dark, old blood.
P
Peritoneum The thin tissue that covers the walls of the pelvis and abdomen on the inside, as well as the pelvic organs.
Physiotherapist A specialist healthcare professional who treats patients with exercises, activities and physical manipulation. Physiotherapists treat muscles and joint problems. They can be seen privately or under the NHS (with a referral from your GP).
Pituitary gland The area of the brain that acts as the ‘control centre’. It controls all hormonal functions, including reproductive organs.
Physiotherapist A specialist healthcare professional who treats patients with exercises, activities and physical manipulation. Physiotherapists treat muscles and joint problems. They can be seen privately or under the NHS (with a referral from your GP).
Pituitary gland The area of the brain that acts as the ‘control centre’. It controls all hormonal functions, including reproductive organs.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) A condition found in women which results in the excess production of male sex hormones (androgens). It results in the presence of small cysts in the ovaries. Though PCOS can appear without any symptoms, some of the symptoms are irregular periods, excessive weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. It has been linked to problems with insulin and is sometimes treated with insulin medication.
Polyp A polyp is a small growth of tissue (a tumour) inside the body. They can be benign or malignant.
Pouch of Douglas The area between to womb (uterus) and the rectum (bottom). Another name for this is “Rectouterine pouch”. Endometriosis can grow here and be hard to find during a laparoscopy. Having endometriosis here can cause the symptoms of painful sex.
Presacral neurectomy A procedure where the nerves behind the womb are cut – the aim fo this to stop or reduce pain.
Polyp A polyp is a small growth of tissue (a tumour) inside the body. They can be benign or malignant.
Pouch of Douglas The area between to womb (uterus) and the rectum (bottom). Another name for this is “Rectouterine pouch”. Endometriosis can grow here and be hard to find during a laparoscopy. Having endometriosis here can cause the symptoms of painful sex.
Presacral neurectomy A procedure where the nerves behind the womb are cut – the aim fo this to stop or reduce pain.
Progesterone A female hormone which prepares the womb lining (endometrium) to receive and hold the fertilized egg to allow pregnancy.
Progestogens/Progestins These are synthetic (artificially created) hormones that produce similar effects to progesterone. They are used most commonly in contraceptives but also as a treatment for endometriosis as they have an ‘anti-oestrogenic’ effect on the body which can shrink endometrial tissue; they can have severe side effects.
Prostaglandin A substance that has a large number of functions in the body. It allows for the contraction and relaxation of muscle, the control of cell growth, the dilation (increasing) and constriction of blood vessels, control of blood pressure, and creation of inflammation. Prostaglandins cause the womb to contract and cause cramping. They can affect the spinal nerve and cause pain. In endometriosis, the endometriosis deposits are said to secrete (expel) prostaglandins which cause pain & inflammation.
Progestogens/Progestins These are synthetic (artificially created) hormones that produce similar effects to progesterone. They are used most commonly in contraceptives but also as a treatment for endometriosis as they have an ‘anti-oestrogenic’ effect on the body which can shrink endometrial tissue; they can have severe side effects.
Prostaglandin A substance that has a large number of functions in the body. It allows for the contraction and relaxation of muscle, the control of cell growth, the dilation (increasing) and constriction of blood vessels, control of blood pressure, and creation of inflammation. Prostaglandins cause the womb to contract and cause cramping. They can affect the spinal nerve and cause pain. In endometriosis, the endometriosis deposits are said to secrete (expel) prostaglandins which cause pain & inflammation.
R
Rectum The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine (bowel). The rectum stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus (bottom).
Resection Surgical excision (removal by cutting) of a portion of an organ or other structure.
Resection Surgical excision (removal by cutting) of a portion of an organ or other structure.
S
Salpingectomy The removal of the fallopian tube during surgery.
T
Transvaginal scan An ultrasound performed through the vagina, using a special vaginal transducer. Transvaginal scans gives better resolution of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The procedure is usually painless, noninvasive, and safe.
U
Ultrasound An investigative procuedure where the inside of the body is looked at (visualised) using high-frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off tissues and organs inside the body. They are then converted into a picture called a sonogram. Ultrasounds allows doctors and their patients to get an inside view of the body in a safe, non-invasive way. Ultrasound is often used to examine a foetus during pregnancy.
Uterine fibroids Abnormal, benign (non-cancerous) growths of muscle within the wall of the womb.
Uterosacral ligaments: The supports that hold the womb in place inside the body. This is a common place to find endometriosis.
Uterus The womb. It is an organ inside the woman’s body which is responsible for carrying a foetus during pregnancy. The lining of the womb sheds every month, in response to hormones, if a fertilised egg is not received. The bottom or opening of the womb is called the cervix.
Uterine fibroids Abnormal, benign (non-cancerous) growths of muscle within the wall of the womb.
Uterosacral ligaments: The supports that hold the womb in place inside the body. This is a common place to find endometriosis.
Uterus The womb. It is an organ inside the woman’s body which is responsible for carrying a foetus during pregnancy. The lining of the womb sheds every month, in response to hormones, if a fertilised egg is not received. The bottom or opening of the womb is called the cervix.
V
Vaporisation A method of destroying endometriosis by boiling the deposits with a laser. The heat causes the deposits to turn into vapour and disappear.
* A majority of these definitions are from here
Please note - The advice on this website comes from personal experience. Always consult as many medical professionals as you need before undergoing treatment.
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