Endometriosis

Each year many women are diagnosed with endometriosis and as a result are faced with potential problems that can affect their sexual health as well as reproduction.

Endometriosis begins when the tissue lining the inside of the uterus is not shed as it should be. Normally, this tissue builds up each month with every passing day of a woman’s cycle. If she does not become pregnant, the tissue will be shed as a part of her month menstrual cycle. In endometriosis, the lining will break apart and bleed just like it would in a normal period; however, it is not shed as part of the period. As a result, tissues in surrounding areas may become swollen and even inflamed. This can produce scar tissue that eventually develop into growths or lesions.

Endometriosis can vary significantly in its severity. In many cases, endometriosis may be quite mild, cause few symptoms and problems and generally will not require treatment. One of the most common problems related to moderate or severe endometriosis; however, is that it can affect the ability of a woman to become pregnant.

Other side affects and symptoms of endometriosis include back pain during menstruation, severe cramps during menstruation, bowel movements that are painful, urination that is painful, heavy bleeding during periods and pain during sexual intercourse.

Researchers are unsure of the cause of endometriosis. Risk factors for the development of endometriosis include women between the ages of 25 and 40 and women who have not had children.

It should be noted that endometriosis is not cancer, nor does it increase a women’s risk for developing uterine cancer or any other type of cancer.

Endometriosis may be detected during a pelvic exam and routine physical. In the event that endometriosis is detected, a procedure known as a laparoscopy may need to be conducted in order to provide treatment. The procedure is performed by making a small incision in the abdomen and guiding in a small camera device. Through this device, your physician can view your reproductive organs. While endometriosis can be removed to some degree during this procedure, it should be noted that there is no known cure for this condition. It usually tends to continue developing and growing worse until a woman goes through menopause. Treatments are available; however that can relieve some of the symptoms. These treatment options may include certain medications such as birth control pills, progesterone and others.

 
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