How Endometriosis Progresses: Stage by Stage

Endometriosis is classified into four stages based on the location, amount, depth, and size of the endometrial tissue growths. These stages help guide treatment decisions but do not always reflect the severity of symptoms, as some people with mild disease may have intense pain. In contrast, others with advanced disease may have minimal discomfort.

• Stage 1 (Minimal): Small, superficial lesions with little to no scar tissue.

• Stage 2 (Mild): More and slightly deeper lesions than stage 1, still with minimal scar tissue.

• Stage 3 (Moderate): Many deep lesions, possible small cysts on one or both ovaries, and thin bands of scar tissue (adhesions).

• Stage 4 (Severe): Many deep lesions, large cysts on one or both ovaries, and thick adhesions affecting multiple pelvic organs.

Whether you are seeking relief from endometriosis-related pain or looking for long-term management, Cobb Women’s Health is here to support you every step of the way.

At Cobb Women’s Health, we understand that endometriosis can affect both your quality of life and your ability to conceive. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain and, in some cases, fertility challenges. The relationship between the stage of endometriosis and its effect on fertility is complex, but clinical experience and research suggests a general trend. While fertility can be affected at any stage, more advanced stages often have a greater impact on a person’s ability to conceive.

• Mild to Moderate Endometriosis (Stage I & II): In these early stages, the lesions are typically small and superficial, with minimal or no scar tissue. While some individuals may experience infertility, many are still able to conceive spontaneously. The exact reason for infertility in these cases is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to inflammation that may affect egg and sperm quality or the function of the fallopian tubes.

• Moderate to Severe Endometriosis (Stage III & IV): In the later stages, the disease is more extensive, with deep implants, large cysts (endometriomas), and dense scar tissue (adhesions). This level of disease can physically distort a person’s pelvic anatomy, blocking fallopian tubes and trapping eggs, which significantly reduces the chances of natural conception. For these patients, surgery to remove the tissue and scar tissue can often improve pregnancy rates.

At Cobb Women’s Health, Dr. Nandita Mainthia, MD, FACOG, and Dr. Hitendra Hansalia, MD, FACOG, diagnose and manage all stages of endometriosis with personalized treatment plans. We focus on relieving symptoms and improving the overall quality of life for each patient.

At Cobb Women’s Health, we understand how frustrating and debilitating endometriosis symptoms can be. Our experienced providers are committed to offering compassionate, expert care to help you find answers and relief. Diagnosing endometriosis involves a multi-step process that moves from initial suspicion to a definitive confirmation. While a doctor can suspect the condition based on symptoms, a key surgical procedure is required for an accurate diagnosis.

• Initial Evaluation: A doctor will first assess your symptoms and may perform a pelvic exam, which can lead to a suspicion of endometriosis.

• Laparoscopy: The definitive diagnosis is made through a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. This is the only way to confirm the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.

• Visual Confirmation: During the laparoscopy, a surgeon uses a small camera to look inside the abdomen and pelvis to visually identify any patches of tissue.

• Confirmation: If the surgeon finds suspicious tissue, a small sample is taken to confirm the diagnosis.

• Treatment During Surgery: In many cases, the surgeon can also treat or remove the endometrial tissue during the same procedure, combining diagnosis with symptom management.

This comprehensive process ensures an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment planning. An early diagnosis can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and ultimately improve a patient’s quality of life. At Cobb Women’s Health, we emphasize the importance of early evaluation and diagnosis. Timely identification of endometriosis can help us manage your symptoms more effectively and prevent long-term complications.

We understand how challenging endometriosis can be, and we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care for every patient. Endometriosis pain can be managed through various treatment options depending on symptom severity and personal health goals. Pain medications, either over-the-counter or prescription, can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Hormone therapy works to regulate or suppress menstrual cycles, which may ease pain and slow the growth of endometrial tissue. In cases where symptoms are more severe or unresponsive to other therapies, laparoscopic surgery can be performed to remove excess endometrial tissue, with a biopsy often taken during the procedure to confirm the diagnosis. This approach can provide relief and potentially improve fertility outcomes.

Every woman’s experience with endometriosis is different. Our team at Cobb Women’s Health will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and personal preferences. Regular follow-ups are important to assess your response to treatment and make adjustments as needed. Contact us today for more information or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1810 Mulkey Road, Suite 102, Austell, GA 30106. We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, Marietta GA and surrounding areas.