What is Endometriosis ?

Endometriosis is a  disorder in which tissues that normally line the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grow in the outside of the uterus and on or around the pelvic and abdominal organs. It may cause severe menstrual pains and fertility problems.
 

 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis ?

The main symptom of endometriosis is painful menstrual pain that worsens over time. Other common signs include the following :

• painful intercourse
• painful urination or emptying your bowels
• heavy bleeding during periods or bleeding in-between periods
• infertility

Some women also experience nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, bloating or constipation especially during menstrual periods.

Am I at risk ?

 
You are at increased risk of endometriosis if you fall into the following categories :

• family history of endometriosis
• never given birth before
• uterine abnormalities
• history of pelvic infections
• any medical condition that prevents normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body

Can endometriosis reduce my chances of getting pregnant ?

 
Yes, endometriosis can cause fertility problems. An egg needs to be released, travel through the fallopian tube ,  become fertilized by a sperm and implanted in the uterus for pregnancy to occur. Endometriosis may obstruct the fallopian tube and prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. However, most women with mild to moderate endometriosis are able to get pregnant and carry the baby to full term. Doctors however advice women with this condition not to delay having children. This is because endometriosis may worsen with time.
 
It is however known that pregnancy can have a positive effect on endometriosis. The high levels of progesterone suppress the growth and development of endometriosis lesions. This benefit is temporary and symptoms may resume as soon as you start your period or in  a few years.
 

Is there any treatment for endometriosis ?

 
Endometriosis is usually treated with medications or surgery.
 
Pain medications : These include over-the-counter pain reliever, such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others). This is used to relieve menstrual pains
 
Hormonal therapy : This includes:

• hormonal contraceptives such as control pills, patches and vaginal rings help control the hormones responsible for the buildup of endometrial tissue each month
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists which are drugs used to block the production of ovarian-stimulating hormones, lowering estrogen levels and preventing menstruation.
• injectable drug Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) which halts menstruation and the growth of endometrial implants

 
Conservative surgery : This is done for women trying to get pregnant. It removes as much endometriosis as possible while preserving your uterus and ovaries . This increases your chances of getting pregnant.
 
Hysterectomy : Surgery to remove ovaries and uterus is done in severe cases.
 
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