Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder that attacks the female
reproductive system. It causes endometrial cells (the
cells that line the uterus) to develop outside of
the uterus. This creates scarring and inflammation
of the uterine tissues. Although Endometriosis typically
affects the pelvic area, endometrial cells can be
deposited anywhere in the body. Because it is endometrial
tissue, even when it is deposited outside of the uterus
it continues to behave as endometrial tissue. With
the female cycle, the tissue will thicken, break down
and bleed as it would within the uterus. Because the
tissue is outside the uterus, there is no where for
the blood to go and it becomes trapped. This can cause
other serious complications, and can cause infertility.
Endometriosis can attack any woman at any age, but
most commonly women in their childbearing years.
Some women have no symptoms at all, but the most
common symptoms of Endometriosis include painful periods,
abnormally heavy periods and pelvic pain when not
menstruating. Many cases of Endometriosis are misdiagnosed
as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, ovarian cysts or lower
intestinal conditions. In the rare cases when Endometriosis
happens outside the pelvic area, other symptoms may
arise not associated with the pelvic area at all.
There is no real cure for endometriosis, and the
exact cause is unknown though it is often associated
with other Autoimmune disorders. Other suspected causes
of Endometriosis include genetics and environmental
factors. There is no cure, but it is treatable.
Symptoms:
Frequent urinating
Pain or cramping that radiates from the pelvis to
the lower back
Pain when having sex
Pain when urinating
Painful bowel movements
Pelvic pain
Severe menstrual cramps
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing Endometriosis often relies on symptom
history, ultrasounds, possibly an MRI and laparoscopy/biopsy.
Treatment:
Treating Endometriosis usually involves hormone therapy
and pain management. The most common hormone therapy
is oral contraceptives, however some cases may require
medications that completely block hormone production,
such as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists
and antagonists, Danazol or Aromatase inhibitors.
The injectable contraceptive, Medroxyprogesterone,
can also be used to halt menstruation.
Surgery to remove the endometrial tissue may also
be an option for severe cases. Some women require
the removal of the uterus to stop the endometrial
tissue from being deposited in other areas. In most
cases, when a woman enters menopause, Endometriosis
goes into remission.
Prognosis:
There is no cure for Endometriosis, and although
treatments are available, they may not always be effective.
Endometriosis can reoccur even after treatment, surgery
or menopause. Infertility is a very possible complication
with Endometriosis, so the emotional impact of Endometriosis
in some cases is pretty big. The earlier Endometriosis
is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.
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