Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that usually form the lining of the uterus (endometrium) are found elsewhere in the body – usually the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel, intestines, vagina and the rectum. In rare cases endometrial cells have been found in the lungs, the spine, the brain and on the skin.
Endometrial cells found in other parts of the body behave in the same way as those which line the uterus – which means that every month they go through the menstrual cycle of thickening and bleeding. However, if they’re not in your uterus they have no way of leaving your body, and leads to pain, swelling and bleeding wherever the tissue is.
Endometriosis is a serious condition that can be painful and may, in some cases, cause infertility. However with the right health care it can be treated and managed.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is pain and discomfort in the area where the tissue has located itself as it thickens and bleeds, although some women have few or no symptoms at all. Additional symptoms vary from person to person, but can include painful and heavy periods, pelvic pain? and pain during sex, bleeding in between periods, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, low backache and bleeding from the bowel. If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly around menstruation, consult your physician.
Who develops endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown but theories suggest it may be due to retrograde menstruation, where some of the endometrium flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, instead of leaving the body like usual menstrual blood. It’s also thought there may be a genetic link – if your mom had or has it, you’re more likely to. Low immunity may also be a factor and some experts also reckon endometrial cells can get into the bloodstream and spread through the body that way.
What happens if I have endometriosis?
If your physician suspects you may have endometriosis you’ll be referred to a specialist for diagnosis. The most effective way to diagnose endometriosis is with a biopsy taken via a laparascopy (keyhole surgery carried out under anesthetic). If you’re diagnosed with endometriosis your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you. There’s no cure but treatment can ease symptoms so that the condition does not interfere with your daily life. This can be done a number of ways – through pain medication, hormone treatment or surgery.
If your treatment program doesn’t work, and you’ve completed your family, you may opt for a hysterectomy. This is a major operation that will have a significant impact on your body and you should thoroughly discuss it with your doctor.
In about a third of cases endometriosis gets better by itself with no treatment. It is also possible to have the condition with no symptoms or where the symptoms are mild, in which case you may decide not to have any treatment.
Can I still have a baby?
Endometriosis doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to have children. Many women suffer from the condition and go on to have healthy babies. There’s a possibility it might make it harder for you to conceive, though, and in some cases women become sub or infertile. Your doctor will discuss the repercussions of your particular condition with you and help you decide on the best way to move forward if you want to start a family.
Support from self-help groups can be very helpful when it comes to coping with endometriosis – ask your doctor for further information.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 02/11/2007
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