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:: Endometriosis

Healthy Women & Endometriosis
  Healthy Women
  Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found in sites outside the uterus. The misplaced tissue implants itself onto the surface of the tissue or organ where it has been deposited and begins to grow and function.

The pain of endometriosis can be so bad that it stops you from going to work or school. Usually, it causes pain around the time of your period but for some women the pain is almost constant. If you need treatment, you may need emotional as well as physical support. 
 

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis include: 

  • Painful periods
  • Heavy or irregular bleeding
  • Pain with sex
  • Pelvic pain
  • Ovulation pain
  • Pain in the lower back and thighs
  • Bowel symptoms
  • Bladder symptoms
  • Reduced fertility
  • Nausea and lethargy
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Tension (PMT)

Causes:

  • Retrograde menstruation - lining is shed during period
  • Immune system malfunction
  • genetic factors

Medication

It usually involves the use of various analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs for intermittent pain, or a range of pain management techniques if the pain is chronic and ongoing.

It is important to realise that not only can prolonged use of pain management drugs become less effective as the body adapts, but overuse may have negative side effects also.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of endometriosis, the symptoms occurring and if having a baby is desired. Treatments can include:

Management - Treating just the symptoms

Hormone Therapies - For treatment in mild cases

Surgery  - aims to remove as many implants, cysts, endometriomas and adhesions as possible, and to repair any damage caused by the condition. In the case of a hysterectomy, it aims to cure the disease by removing the uterus, and sometimes the ovaries as well

Natural therapies  - Complementary therapies, including herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, may help to manage the symptoms of medical treatments. Some herbs may be taken at the same time as some of the hormone therapies

Lifestyle changes  - including healthy eating, physical activity, rest & stress management

Fertility Problems:

Scarring or adhesions in the pelvis can cause fallopian tues and ovaries to adher to the lining of the pelvis or to each other.  This can result in them not being in the right position each month to transfer an egg as it is released

Further Information:

 

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