TOPICS OF INTEREST

Endometriosis

Introduction

During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, builds up, breaks down, and sheds, leaving the body through the vagina. When this type of tissue is found outside of the uterus but still responds to hormonal cycles it is called Endometriosis. When endometrial growths (often called implants) react to the menstrual cycle or hormone fluctuations the result is internal bleeding, which causes inflammation, pain, build up of scar tissue and adhesions, and can cause infertility.

Common sites of endometriosis are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the ligaments that support the uterus, between the rectum and vagina, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. In addition, endometriosis can affect the bowel, bladder, ureters, and appendix. There have even been cases of endometriosis on the diaphragm, lung, arm, and skin. This is referred to as extragenital endometriosis.

The primary symptom of Endometriosis is chronic, cyclic pelvic pain before and during your period. The amount of pain varies from person to person. Some women may have the disease and not even know it, while others can experience debilitating pain. The pain comes in various forms and affects females differently. Other symptoms include pain with intercourse, fatigue, infertility, painful urination or bowel movements during your period, and sometimes diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.

Treatment

First you should know that there is no cure for endometriosis. Medications can be prescribed to help control pain and may lessen the effects or progression of the disease. Surgery can treat the disease. But at this point, there is no definitive cure.

Endometriosis is a progressive, often debilitating disease, affecting 10% to 15% of women during their reproductive years, and it accounts for 25% of laparotomies performed by gynecologists. Among gynecologic disorders, endometriosis is surpassed in frequency only by leiomyomas (fibroids). And in close to 70% of patients with fibroids, endometriosis coexists.

Patients with endometriosis may present with different clinical complaints at various stages of disease. Treatment depends on the age of the patient, the extent of disease, severity of symptoms, and desire for future fertility. Intervention usually is indicated for pain, infertility, or impaired function of the bladder, ureter, or intestine.

Related Treatments and Procedures

Treatment of Endometriosis (Video Clips)

Clinical Articles on Endometriosis

Endometriosis on the Bowel

Endometriosis on the Appendix

Endometriosis on the Diaphragm

Endometriosis on the Diaphragm: Advanced

Endometriosis on the Ovary

Endometriosis on the Ureter

Endometriosis on the Bladder

Endometriosis on the Uterosacral Ligament

Endometriosis on the Pelvic Sidewall