A Simple Guide to Endometriosis

A Simple Guide to Endometriosis

---------------------------------------

What is Endometriosis ?

----------------------------

Endometriosis is a disorder of the endometrial tissues (which line a woman's uterus) in which these tissues are implanted in places outside the uterus, usually in other parts of the pelvic cavity and abdomen.

However, in women with Endometriosis, blood from the implanted endometrial tissue is trapped inside, becomes inflamed, and develops into scar tissue.

Because of this inflammation, severe pain, infertility and bowel problems occur.

What are the Causes of Endometriosis?

----------------------------------------------

The cause of endometriosis is still not known.

There are a few theories:

1.during menstruation, some of the menstrual tissue is pushed back through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen where it implants and grows.

2.it may be due to a genetic process

3.certain families are predisposed to endometriosis:

Higher socioeconomic groups

women who marry late and have no or few children

4.Stress may constrict the opening of the uterus .

Some endometrial tissues are pushed backward into the abdominal cavity instead of through the opening of the uterus

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

--------------------------------------------------

Endometriosis occurs usually years after the periods begin.

Symptoms may worsen as the endometrial area increases in size.

However after menopause, the implanted tissue shrinks away and the symptoms subside.

Common symptoms include:

Severe menstrual cramps

Pelvic pain apart from menstrual periods

Diarrhoea or painful bowel movements during menses

Menstrual irreuglarities

Menorrhagia

Painful intercourse

Backache

Pain with exercise

Painful pelvic exams

Painful and frequent urination

Bloating

Constipation

Fatigue

How do you made the Diagnosis of Endometriosis ?

------------------------------------------------------------

A diagnosis can only be made via laparoscopy.

A laparoscope is a tube with a light in it which is inserted through a small incision in the navel area. The misplaced endometrial tissue can then be found and the location, extent and size of the endometriosis detected.

What is the Treatment for Endometriosis?

----------------------------------------------------------

There is no cure for endometriosis.

If the symptoms are mild, only medication for pain is required.

Treatment depends on the size, extent of the lesions, age of the patient and the desire for pregnancy.

If these women want to be pregnant, the best course of action is to have a trial period of unprotected intercourse for 6 months to 1 year.

Once pregnancy occur, the endometriosis will cleared by itself because there is no menses for nine months. Whether the endometriosis will recur after delivery depends on the patient. Most patients do not have a recurrence.

If the patient is not seeking pregnancy and where specific treatment of the endometriosis is required, hormone suppression treatment may be tried. This prevents ovulation and less endometrial tissue is formed. Because of this the endometriosis may reduced resulting in less symptoms. A course of treatment may last 6 months.

Where hormone suppression therapy do not work, some patients may require surgical treatment to remove the endometriosis tissue in the abdomen.

In severe cases, where the uterus and ovaries are affected, removal by surgery of the uterus and/or ovaries is required especially in those nearing menopause or who do not wish to be pregnant.