ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue (the type of tissue that lines the uterus) travels to another part of the body. This tissue is sensitive to the woman’s hormone cycle and behaves much like the endometrial lining of the uterus. The resulting internal bleeding and inflammation can cause extreme pain.
Who is at risk for endometriosis?
Any woman of childbearing age can develop endometriosis. The condition appears to run in families.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
During the early phases of the disease, a woman may experience menstrual pain and cramping. Later, the misplaced endometrial tissue may cause symptoms where it has implanted, and the woman may experience continuing pain throughout her cycle. Infertility may be a symptom of endometriosis, but some women experience no symptoms at all.
How do doctors diagnose endometriosis?
Endometriosis may be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be confused with those of other conditions. Certain signs may be detected during a pelvic examination, and the doctor may order an ultrasound exam or an exploratory laparoscopic procedure to look for endometrial tissue that has migrated.
How is endometriosis treated?
Some treatments for endometriosis aim at relieving pain, while others focus on limiting the disease’s effects on fertility. Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes recommended as a way of removing as much of the misplaced endometrial tissue as possible. The success of this treatment approach depends heavily on the skill and experience of the surgeon. Other surgical options may be exercised if laparoscopic surgery is ineffective or the disease is extensive.
Certain non-surgical treatments, such as oral contraceptives and other hormones, are available as well. Other medications relieve painful symptoms by simulating menopause.