Endometriosis
ENDOMETRIOSIS
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial-like tissue may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This condition can have a major impact on a woman’s life and can affect women of any age, including teenagers.
Occasionally, endometriotic cysts may be found incidentally on an ultrasound scan. Cysts caused by endometriosis contain old blood and are often referred to as ‘chocolate cysts’.
Symptoms Of Endometriosis
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that’s far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Painful and or heavy periods
- Painful intercourse
- Infertility
- Other associated symptoms may be: chronic pelvis pain , not related to menses, pre-menstrual spotting.
- Pain before, during or after opening bowels
- Bleeding from the bowel especially during menses
- Pain during, before or after passing urine
- Symptoms of an irritable bowel – diarrhea, constipation and colic
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed
Ultrasound scans, blood tests and internal examinations cannot conclusively diagnose endometriosis. The only way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy. This is an operation in which a telescope (a laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut in the belly button. This allows the surgeon to see the pelvic organs and identify any endometriotic deposits and cysts.
Treatment Of Endometriosis And Endometriotic Cysts
Several options are available. The decision on which is the best treatment option depends on a variety of factors. These include:
- the nature of the symptoms e.g. severity of pain due to endometriosis
- the desire for fertility (usually done to prepare for IVF treatment).
- the size of the endometriotic cysts
- the risk for cancerous changes
How Does Endometriosis Treated
- Hormone treatment aims to slow down the growth and progression of endometriotic deposits. These include oral contraceptive pills and progestins such as dienogest. These medicines typically need to be taken long-term, as stopping them may lead to recurrence of symptoms.
- Surgery is often required in patients with significant pain and/or infertility, and allows for the excision of endometriotic cysts and deposits. It is typically performed laparoscopically, though traditional abdominal surgery may be performed for patients with more severe cases. Medical treatment may be recommended by your doctor after surgery to prevent the growth of new areas of endometriosis.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is available, along with traditional laparoscopy and abdominal surgery methods. Your gynaecologist will be able to advise you on the approach most suitable for your condition.
