Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?Endometriosis, a health problem in women, is also found to be a cause of infertility. The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus (womb) and when this tissue finds itself outside on other areas, the resulting condition is called endometriosis. Endometriosis can be found: • On or under the ovaries• Behind the uterus• On the tissues that hold the uterus in place• On the bowels or bladder. This tissue gone astray can cause severe pain, infertility and very heavy periods.Symptoms of EndometriosisPain is the most common symptom of this ailment, and they are often concentrated in the abdomen, lower back and pelvic areas. Other symptoms may include: • Painful menstrual cramps• Pain during and after sex• Intestinal pain• Painful bowel movement and urination during menstrual period• Heavy and long menstrual periods• Spotting or bleeding between periods• FatigueWomen with endometriosis may also suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating during menstrual periods.Who gets Endometriosis?Around 5 Million American women have endometriosis; making it a common health problem for women. Women with this condition are averaging 27 years of age, get their monthly cycles and have 2-5 years of the symptoms before finding out they carry this condition.Factors Raising Chances of Endometriosis• Starting her period at an early age• Have heavy and prolonged periods (lasting more than 7 days)• Have short monthly cycle (less than 27 days)• Have relatives with endometriosis (mother/sister/aunt/cousins)How do I reduce chances of developing Endometriosis?• Exercise regularly• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine• If you are constantly bothered by constant pain every time you have your period, consult an expert for early diagnosisHow would I know if I have Endometriosis?If your monthly period is always accompanied by pain, maybe it is time to submit yourself to a thorough examination by your own OB/GYN. Your family history will be reviewed and you may be subjected to certain procedures like pelvic exams. During this exam, your doctor can immediately see signs of endometriosis. At other times, further evaluation may be needed and you will therefore be made to undergo additional tests such as:• Ultrasound (which uses sound waves to “see” the body)• Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI (which uses magnets and radio waves to make a “ picture “ inside the body)The only sure way to make sure is to undergo a surgery known as Laparoscopy. A tiny slit is made in the abdomen and a thin tube with light is placed inside to see growths from endometriosis. Sometimes diagnosis can be arrived at seeing these growths, but at other times, a biopsy (taking of a small portion of the tissue) may have to be performed.TreatmentThere is no cure for endometriosis, but there are various treatments for pain and infertility that accompanies this condition. Your doctor will be the best authority on this. The kind of treatment you choose will depend on factors such as: the kind of symptoms you have, age and plans in starting your pregnancy.If you are having mild symptoms and pains, you may just be made to take over-the-counter pain medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen) to bring remedy and relief.When pain medication won’t do and you have no plans of
getting pregnant anytime soon, you can be treated with hormone medicines. This is best for women with small growths and don’t have severe pains.Just remember, the pain related to endometriosis is something that is not to be taken lightly. It can interfere with your life. Do not wait long in consulting your doctor. There are treatments that can relieve the symptoms- medicines for pain relief and surgery can help overcome the infertility issue. Be educated and learn as much of it as you can. You would be doing yourself a lot of good simply by talking to family, friends and your doctor.