Conditions

Endometriosis symptoms vary and usually reflect the area affected. They may include the following: Recurring pelvic pain that can range from mild to severe cramping or stabbing pain that occurs on both sides of the pelvis, in the lower back and rectal area, and even down the legs Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) Pain during and after sex If endometrial implants are found in the bowel, pain during bowel movements If endometrial implants are found in the bladder, pain may be felt during…

Staging of endometriosis The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s current classification of endometriosis in stages 1 to 4 is the most widely used and accepted staging system. The classification system uses point scores depending on location, extent, and depth of endometriosis implants; presence and severity of adhesions; and presence and size of ovarian endometriomas. However, the staging of endometriosis does not correlate with the presence of or severity of symptoms.  

Treatment of Endometriosis Treatment of endometriosis depends on the extent of the condition, symptoms and associated infertility. It may be treated with medication, surgery or both. In patients in the reproductive years, endometriosis is merely managed: the goal is to provide pain relief, to restrict progression of the process, and to restore or preserve fertility where needed. Medication When pain is the main problem, medical therapy is tried with some of the following: Pain relievers: Over-…

Diagnosis of Endometriosis Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone; it has to be supplemented with a pelvic examination, pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy and MRI. Pelvic examination: The pelvic examination has poor sensitivity in the diagnosis of endometriosis, but some findings of the physician may suspect endometriosis, like a tender nodule behind the cervix during a combined vaginal and rectal exam, or the uterus may be tilted back or retroverted. Occasionally, endometriosis…

What causes endometriosis Even though doctors are not absolutely sure, they suggest some of the following causes: Genetic: A 10-fold increased risk was found in first-degree relatives of women with endometriosis. It has been suggested that endometriosis results from a series of multiple hits within target genes in a mechanism similar to the development of cancer. In this case, the initial mutation may be either somatic or heritable. (Somatic refers to changes in the genetic structure that are…

What is endometriosis Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue that lines the uterus wall) is found outside the uterus (often referred to as endometrial implants). This is mostly found in the peritoneum (membrane that lines abdominal cavity and surrounds internal organs), ovaries, fallopian tubes, ureters, bladder, bowel and cul-de-sac (the space behind the uterus). Endometrial tissue in the uterus is under the influence of oestrogen (a female hormone).…

How to Prevent Endometriosis  You can't prevent endometriosis. But you can work towards reducing your chances of developing it by lowering the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body. Estrogen helps to thicken the lining of your uterus during your menstrual cycle. To keep lower estrogen levels in your body, you can: Talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches or rings with lower doses of estrogen. Exercise regularly (more than 4 hours a…

Management of Endometriosis You can manage your endometriosis by lowering the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body. Estrogen helps to thicken the lining of your uterus during your menstrual cycle. To keep lower estrogen levels in your body, you can: Exercise regularly (more than 4 hours a week). This will also help you lower body fat which helps decrease the amount of estrogen circulating through the body. Avoid large amounts of alcohol.  Alcohol raises estrogen levels. Limit…

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