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Understanding Endometriosis

Published: Monday, March 1, 2010

Most women probably have heard about endometriosis from a family member, friend or even as a personal experience. The term is used a lot, but do you know what it is? Do you know what having endometriosis means?

What is endometriosis?
This is a common gynecological diagnosis particularly for women of childbearing age. The easiest way to describe endometriosis, the tissue lining your uterus also is growing outside of the uterus. Some women do not have any symptoms due to endometriosis and others have pain and other problems.

The cluster of tissue that grows outside the uterus is known as implants. These implants usually will grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer wall of the uterus, the intestines or other organs in the belly. Unfortunately, experts do not know what causes the endometrial tissue to go outside of the uterus. Several studies have shown the female hormone, estrogen makes the problem worse. Women of childbearing years are affected because hormone levels are higher between your teens and 40s.

What are common symptoms of endometriosis?

• Pain. The pain occurs where the implants are growing. Pain in lower belly, rectum, vagina or even your lower back.
• Abnormal bleeding. Heavier periods, spotting or bleeding between periods, bleed after sex or blood in urine or stool.
• Infertility. Some women only have this as a symptom.

 

Endometriosis symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some women do not find out they have endometriosis until they are unable to get pregnant. Some women just have mild cramping, which they think is normal for their bodies. Also some women have very severe pain and bleeding. Talk with your physician about any symptoms you may be having or changes in your menstrual period.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. However, there are some treatments to help with the symptoms.

• Over-the-counter pain medicines such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve. These anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce bleeding and pain.
• Birth control pills. They help control pain and shrink implants.
• Hormone therapy. This may stop your periods and shrink your implants.
• Laparoscopy. In more severe cases, this may be done to remove implants and scar tissue.

 

The causes are unclear on what actually causes endometriosis, but physicians have found several things that may raise your risk of developing endometriosis.

• A close relative is diagnosed with endometriosis, especially a mother or sister. Women with affected mother and/or sister are 7-10 times more likely to develop endometriosis.
• Your menstrual cycle is consistently short – less than 25 days
• You menstrual flow is long and heavy lasting for more than a week

 

Remember to consult with your physician about any problems or changes in your body you have noticed.

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