Endometriosis

This is a common disorder where the tissues that line the womb (endometrium) are found outside the womb, on surfaces of other organs within the body. Most commonly, the tissue is found on the tubes, ovaries and on the lining of the pelvis, but it can be found anywhere within the tummy, such as the bowel and bladder. If you have endometriosis, when you have a period these deposits of tissue bleed into the tummy and cause pain. If the endometriosis has been there for a long time, it can lead to the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue can cause long-term pain.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or heavy periods
• Abdominal and pelvic pain which is often related to your menstrual cycle
• Deep pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Lack of energy
• Depression

What Causes Endometriosis?

The cause is unknown, but may be due to cells from the womb lining forming in the wrong place during development as a fetus in your mother’s womb. Another theory is that cells from the womb lining travel backwards down the fallopian tubes during a period, and implant on surfaces within the tummy.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of endometriosis can be difficult to make because the symptoms can very so much, and be very similar to symptoms of other conditions. The best way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy (key hole surgery) in which a small camera is inserted through the tummy button, giving a magnified view of the inside of the tummy and pelvis. This requires a general anesthetic. If endometriosis is seen at this time, the doctor can destroy or remove the endometriosis and release any scar tissue. Sometimes, the endometriosis is so extensive that you may need to be referred to a specialist endometriosis treatment centre for further surgery.

Treatment

Endometriosis is treated using hormones such as the contraceptive pill, the Mirena (hormone) coil, and/or surgery. Surgery can improve your chance of getting pregnant. For women with long-term pain, referral to a pain clinic can be very helpful. Removing the womb and ovaries is a last resort.

Links

• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Endometriosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
• http://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/default.htm
• http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/endometriosis.html
• http://www.endometriosis-uk.org