Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common disease that occurs when the uterine lining tissue, or endometrium, abnormally grows on organs outside of the uterine cavity. These masses of tissue are called implants, and can grow in a number of places, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer uterus, and organs within the abdomen. Uncommonly, implants can grow in locations past the abdomen. Throughout your menstrual cycle, these implants act similarly to the endometrium within the uterus. This means, they thicken, break down and bleed during your menstrual period. The blood that sheds from each implant is unable to leave the body, due to its location outside the uterus. This can cause pain during the menstrual period, agitation of the implants, and the formation of scar tissues and cysts. Some of these factors can make becoming pregnant an issue. Therefore, endometriosis is mainly an issue to women who are within their menstruating years.
It is still unclear what the causes of endometriosis are. However, the hormone estrogen is thought to play a negative role. Estrogen is a hormone mainly found within females. It is produced predominantly by the ovaries in various amounts throughout the menstrual cycle. The various levels of estrogen help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is believed that estrogen causes worsening of endometriosis symptoms. During childbearing years, estrogen is in higher levels, causing symptoms to be worse. Once menopause occurs, due to low levels of estrogen, symptoms tend to subside.
The most commonly seen symptoms include pain, abnormal bleeding, and infertility in some cases. The pain experienced by women varies. It normally occurs in locations where implants are found (ie. if you have implants within your lower abdomen the pain will likely occur in this location). Pain can occur during some parts of your menstrual cycle or all of the time. It can be more painful during certain acts, such as intercourse, having a bowel movement, or during ovulation. Additionally, the level of pain can vary from woman to woman. Some experience mild cramping, while others can experience severe cramping. Because of this, some women with mild symptoms may not even know they have endometriosis until they are being treated for something else.
Painful and heavy periods are not enough to diagnose endometriosis. Several other tests will occur to determine the diagnosis. These include a questionnaire about your symptoms, past health, and family medical history, a pelvic examination, an ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan. The last 3 tests will provide your physician with a visual of what is inside your abdominal area. Medications can be taken. If the medication helps to reduce symptoms, it is likely that you have endometriosis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. Treatments vary, depending on whether you would like to reduce the pain and bleeding or become pregnant. For reducing the pain, you may want to consider medicines, such as pain medicines (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen), birth control pills, hormone therapy, and surgery. Surgery can include laparoscopy, in which the implants and scar tissue are removed, or the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy). If you are wanting to get pregnant you may want to consider pain medication or laparoscopy. In particular, laparoscopy can possibly help increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Please note that symptoms can arise even after treatments have taken place. It is important to thoroughly discuss all of these options with your doctor in order to make an informed decision.
