Stage 1 endometriosis, also known as minimal endometriosis, is the mildest form of endometriosis. In this stage, small patches of endometrial tissue (the tissue that normally lines the uterus) are found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of the pelvis. These patches of tissue are typically less than 5mm in size and are not deep.
In many cases, women with Stage 1 endometriosis do not experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, women may experience mild to moderate pelvic pain, particularly during their menstrual cycle. Other symptoms may include painful periods, pain during sex, and infertility.
Diagnosis of Stage 1 endometriosis typically requires a laparoscopic surgery, during which a doctor can visually inspect the pelvic area and take small tissue samples for examination under a microscope. It’s important to note that the severity of endometriosis does not always correlate with the degree of symptoms, and women with Stage 1 endometriosis may experience significant pain and infertility while women with more severe stages may have no symptoms at all.
