Endometriosis

Endometriosis

How Common is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects 10%-15% of menstruating women. Endometriosis is said to be the second most common gynecological condition. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in women over the age of 25 and it is believed that approximately 30-40% of infertile women have some degree of Endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium (tissues which normally line the uterus) grows in locations outside the uterus. As the fragments of misplaced endometrium (endometrial implants) respond to the menstrual cycle hormones they thicken and swell with blood and then break down and bleed at the same time as you have your period. However, the blood cannot escape from the body so it bleeds directly onto the surface of the surrounding organs and tissues. This causes irritation which leads to inflammation, scarring and, sometimes, the development of adhesions between organs.

What are the symptoms Endometriosis?
Although period pain is the most common and well recognised symptom of Endometriosis there is a huge range of other symptoms that may be associated with the condition.

Pain Symptoms of Endometriosis:
Pain before or during menstruation
Pain at ovulation
Pain during or after intercourse
Pain during vaginal or rectal examinations
Pain with bowel motions, especially at the time of menstruation
Pain when passing urine, especially at the time on menstruation
Pain in the abdomen, not related to the menstrual cycle
Pain in the lower back

Less Common Symptoms of Endometriosis:
Abdominal bloating
Diarrhea and/or constipation
Heavy bleeding
Irregular bleeding
Pre-menstrual spotting
Bleeding from the bowel

Low energy levels
Constant tiredness
Infertility

Who gets Endometriosis?
It has been shown that Endometriosis can occur at any time between puberty and the menopause.

Diagnoses and Treatment of Endometriosis?
A definitive diagnosis of endo can only be made after areas of misplaced endometrial tissue have been seen in areas outside of the uterus. An operation called a laparoscopy will allow your doctor to see inside your abdominal cavity and diagnose the disease.

The main options available for the management of Endometriosis are: hormonal treatment, surgical treatment, and natural therapies. Unfortunately, regardless of the treatment used some women will still have a recurrence of their Endometriosis. For more information on treatment visit: From the Endometriosis Association Inc: www.endometriosis.org.au

From the Endometriosis Association Inc: www.endometriosis.org.au