Endometriosis: A Painful Condition Affecting Women's Health

Endometriosis is a condition that most often affects females between the ages of 25 and 40. It is most common in those who have not had children. The condition can be quite painful and in some cases makes pregnancy difficult to achieve.

The endometrium is the inside lining of the uterus. Occasionally very similar tissue develops on the outside of the uterus. This is endometriosis.

This tissue outside the uterus acts like the endometrium when the menstrual cycle occurs. Endometrial lining sheds and bleeds during a woman's period; this happens whether the lining is inside or outside of the uterus. If the tissue is outside the uterus, the displaced tissue has nowhere to go when it is shed.

This can cause the areas around the uterus to be inflamed or swollen. Endometriosis can even cause scar tissue in the surrounding areas. The scar tissue could develop into nodules, growths or lesions.

An exact cause of endometriosis has not been determined. It is believed by some experts that bits of the endometrium travel up through the fallopian tubes and are then passed into the pelvic cavity. If this happens, the bits of tissue could become lodged on the outside of the uterus.

Sometimes endometriosis does not display symptoms. Symptoms that can occur include extremely painful menstrual cramps, abdominal cramps, painful urination or bowel movements, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Pain during sex or difficulty conceiving can occur as well.

There are several treatments available for endometriosis. Pain killers, from the simple analgesics like aspirin, to the complex narcotics are used to help women cope with the pain. An anti-inflammatory like nurofen or ponstan may be used as well.

Hormonal therapy is also used in treating endometriosis, as oestrogen may aggravate the condition. Birth control pills or progestins are often used.

Surgery with a laparoscope is the most common form of surgery for treating endometriosis. With this type of surgery, most lesions, adhesions and cysts can be removed. This type of surgery is sometimes used for diagnosis as well. Occasionally a full abdominal incision is needed.

Some patients also use nutritional therapy. Proper nutrition can help a person generally feel better and respond better to other endometriosis treatments being given. It may also help a woman deal with any side effects of other treatments.

The good news about endometriosis is that it is not a form of cancer and does not seem to be linked to higher rates of uterine cancer.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/endometriosis
http://www.endometriosis.org/treatment.html