Endometriosis

Endometriosis is usually found in women aged between 25 and 49.  It is usually very rare in women under 20. This condition is most common on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissues that hold your womb in place. You can also get endometriosis on or around other organs in your pelvis and abdomen (Belly), such as your bladder or bowel. Rarely, endometriosis can occur around your lungs or heart also.

Endometriosis can cause cysts (endometrioma) to form on the ovaries. These cysts may not cause you any pain. You may only find out about having cysts during an internal examination. In some women, endometriosis can get better without treatment, but for the majority, it gets worse without treatment from a doctor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary depending upon the person. Some women have no symptoms at all, others have severe pain. The most common symptom is pelvic pain that feels like period cramps.

Other symptoms include those listed below.

  • Chronic pelvic pain that lasts a long time,
  • Pain during sex.
  • Changes to your periods, such as;small amounts of blood loss before the period is due (spotting),
  • Irregular bleeding or heavy periods.
  • Painful bowel movements.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Endometriosis on the bowel may cause swelling of your lower abdomen, pain when you have a bowel movement or blood in your faeces during a period.
  • Endometriosis on the bladder can cause pain when you urinate or blood in your urine during a period.
  • Endometriosis generally disappears after the menopause sets in.

    • Complications

    Complications of endometriosis include those listed below.

  • The bleeding can form scar tissue (adhesions) that can attach to the organs in your pelvis and abdomen.
  • Reduced fertility that may have no obvious cause or may be caused by adhesions forming on or near to your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
  • An increased risk of miscarriage or giving birth prematurely.
  • Cysts can bleed or rupture, causing extreme pain.
  • Endometriosis of the intestine can cause your bowel to become blocked up or twisted.
  • An increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer.

    • Causes

    There are no specific reasons on what causes endometriosis. Endometriosis can affect any woman of childbearing age.

  • You’re more likely to develop endometriosis if you:
  • Have a close female relative who has endometriosis such as; mother or sister.
  • Have fertility problems.
  • Start your period at an early age.
  • Begin menopause at a late age.
  • Have frequent or heavy painful periods.

    • Diagnosis

    Your GP will ask you about any symptoms you may have, and examine you. He/she may also ask about your medical history. Your doctor may wish to perform an internal vaginal examination. If he/she thinks you may have endometriosis, he/she will refer you to a gynaecologist (a doctor specialising in women’s reproductive health).

    The only way to be sure that you have endometriosis is to have a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy allows your surgeon to look inside your abdomen. The procedure involves passing a narrow, flexible, tube with a camera (a laparoscope) into your abdomen through a small cut. Your surgeon will examine the organs in your pelvis by looking at pictures on a monitor.

    The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is usually done under general anaesthetic. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic.

    Treatment

    There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but treatments are available for managing the symptoms.

  • relieve pain and heavy bleeding.
  • shrink or slow down the growth of the endometrial tissue on other organs.
  • improve your fertility.

    • Medicines used to treat endometriosis do not improve fertility, but surgery can help if the endometriosis is interfering with your womb and ovaries. Some women with endometriosis who want to have children may need fertility treatment.

    The type of treatment you have will depend on your age, and the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you want to have a child.

    Filed under: Health • Pregnancy

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