Word parts
What it means
Tissue that behaves like the uterine lining grows on the ovaries, tubes and other pelvic organs. It swells and bleeds with each menstrual cycle but has no way to leave the body, so it causes inflammation and scarring. Common problems are painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex and infertilityin-fer-TIL-ih-teeNot being able to become pregnant after a year of regular sex without birth control, or after six months for women over 35.Full entry . Treatment uses pain relief, hormones or surgery.
For the nurse
Take the client's pain seriously and teach the use of NSAIDs, heat and hormone treatments as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | endometriosis |
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Related terms
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
menstruation
The monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus, which leaves the body as blood through the vagina.
infertility
Not being able to become pregnant after a year of regular sex without birth control, or after six months for women over 35.