What is Endometriosis?
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus (the womb). During the menstrual -cycle, the thickness of the endometrium increases in readiness for the fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur the
lining is shed as a period.
Endometriosis (pronounced end-oh-mee-tree-oh-sis) is a condition where the cells that are normally found lining the uterus are also found in other areas of the body but usually within the pelvis.
Each month this tissue outside of the uterus, under normal hormonal control, is built up and then break down and bleeds in the same way as the lining of the uterus. This internal bleeding into the pelvis,
unlike a period, had no way of leaving the body. This leads to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. Endometriosis tissue can also be found in the ovary where it can form cysts, called 'chocolate'cysts.
Where else can it be found?
You can also have endometrial tissue that grows in the muscles layer of the wall of the uterus. This is called endometriosis. Each month this tissue within the muscles wall bleeds in the same way as the endometrial tissue in pelvis bleeds. Adenomyosis can also be found in the muscles layer of the pouch of Douglas or cul de sac. Endometrial deposite can also be found in more remote sites than the pelvis. Endometriosis can be found in or on the bowel, in or on the bladder, in operation scars and in the lungs. The only site that endometriosis has not been found is the spleen. Endometriosis is not an infection. Endometriosis is not contagious. Endometriosis is not cancer.
Why does it occur?
The cause is unknown but several theories have been
put forward.
What are the classic symptoms of endometriosis?
The classic symptoms of endometriosis are: painful periods, painful sex and infertility.
What are the treatments?
There is a range of treatments available to women with endometriosis. Unfortunately, none of the treatments offer a cure for the condition. The treatments on offer can help. Relieving pain symptoms shrinking or slowing endometrial growth preserving or restoring fertility, prevent/delay recurrence of the disease.
Treatments:
Hormonal treatments-hormonal treatments aims to stop ovulations and allow the endometrial deposite to regress and die. The either put the woman into a pseudo- pregnancy or pseudo menopause. All the hormonal treatments have side effects these vary from woman to woman. Yes, conservative surgery seeks to remove and destroy the endometrial growths. This either is done by laparoscopy or by a larger open operation-a laparotomy.
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