Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb) or tissue similar to it is found inside the abdomen (belly) or in other organs. Endometriosis usually affects women of reproductive age. This tissue outside the uterus causes inflammation and pain. Symptoms include abdominal pain which occurs before or during the menstrual period. Although there is no cure for endometriosis, treatments are usually very helpful in reducing symptoms.

The causes of endometriosis are still not well understood. It mostly affects people from 25 to 40 years of age. Some factors which are known to increase the risk of having endometriosis include having a close relative with endometriosis, having the first period at a young age and having long and heavy menstrual periods.

The patches of womb tissue respond to hormones, and may cause inflammation or bleeding in the belly and other organs. Because hormone levels go up and down according to the menstrual cycle, the symptoms of this condition change over the course of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms are usually worse during or before the menstrual period. However, some women can develop pain throughout the cycle.

The most common endometriosis symptoms are:

• very painful periods
• heavy and long periods
• deep pain during sexual intercourse.

Some women may have pain when passing urine or having a bowel movement during menstrual periods. This condition is also associated with difficulties becoming pregnant.

The diagnosis is usually suspected based on the medical history and physical examination. Often, an ultrasound of the reproductive organs (the ovaries and the womb) is done to help make the diagnosis. The best way to confirm the diagnosis is to see the inside of the body with a camera (laparoscopy). However this is only recommended for people who have severe symptoms.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and on whether the person plans to become pregnant in the future. Simple pain medications and hormonal contraception are some of the options. Regular physical activity and having a good pattern of sleep can also help. Surgery is usually performed if other treatments are not helpful and is not considered to be a cure for the condition.

Although endometriosis is an ongoing condition, treatments are helpful in managing symptoms. The symptoms usually go away after menopause. Complications of this condition may include difficulty falling pregnant and the formation of scar tissue within the abdomen.