Endometriosis is an incurable but manageable gynecological condition. It occurs when endometrial implants, comprised of tissue normally found within the uterus, are present in other areas of the body. As the tissue continues to thicken, break down, respond to menstrual cycle hormones, and bleed during the menstrual cycle, endometriosis forms deep inside the body. Scar tissue and adhesions form, and this can cause organ fusion and anatomical changes. Fast facts on endometriosis Here are some key points about endometriosis. More information is in the main article. Endometriosis affects between 6 and 10 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide. The condition appears to be present in a developing fetus, but estrogen levels during puberty are thought to trigger the symptoms. Symptoms are generally present during the reproductive years. Most women go undiagnosed. Allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer are linked to women and families with endometriosis. What is endometriosis? Endometriosis Endometriosis sees the endometrial implant tissue, normally found in the uterus build up in other parts of the body. Endometrial tissue consists of gland, blood cells, and connective tissue. It normally grows in the uterus, to prepare the lining of the womb for ovulation. Endometrial implants are buildups of endometrial tissue that grow in locations outside the uterus. When they grow outside the uterus, this is called endometriosis. They can develop anywhere in the body, but they usually occur in the pelvic area. They may affect: the ovaries the fallopian tubes the peritoneum the lymph nodes Normally, this tissue is expelled during menstruation, but displaced tissue cannot do this. This leads to physical symptoms, such as pain. As the lesions grow larger, they can affect bodily functions. For example, the fallopian tubes may be blocked. The pain and other symptoms can affect different areas of life, including the ability to work, medical care costs, and difficulty maintaining relationships. Symptoms Other medical conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can mimic the symptoms of endometriosis. Symptoms of endometriosis include: Severe menstrual cramps, unrelieved with NSAIDS Long-term lower-back and pelvic pain Periods lasting longer than 7 days Heavy menstrual bleeding where the pad or tampon needs changing every 1 to 2 hours Bowel and urinary problems including pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating Bloody stool or urine Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Pain during intercourse Spotting or bleeding between periods Pain is the most common indication of endometriosis, but the severity of the pain does not always correlate with the extent of the disease. Pain often resolves following menopause, when the body stops producing estrogen production. However, if hormone therapy is used during menopause, symptoms may persist. Pregnancy may provide temporary relief from symptoms. Complications Complications include: infertility, which can affect 50 percent of those with the condition. increased risk of developing ovarian cancer or endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma ovarian cysts inflammation scar tissue and adhesion development intestinal and bladder complications It is important to see a health care provider about symptoms, to avoid future complications. Treatment Endometriosis hysterectomy A hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus, will be considered when all other avenues of treatment have been exhausted. Surgery is possible, but it is normally considered only if other treatments are not effective. Other options include: Pain medications: Either over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or prescription drugs for the treatment of painful menses. Hormones: Treatment may be with hormonal therapies such as hormonal birth control, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) or Danazol. Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) may also be recommended. Surgery: Initial surgery will seek to remove the areas of endometriosis, but a hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries may be necessary. Fertility treatment: Pregnancy may be recommended via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Best Fertility Care Center, Advanced Fertility Care Center, Ashwini Hospital Moondrumavadi Madurai -07 , Mother and Child Health Care, Multispeciality Hospital.
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