Women's Health

Endometriosis is a disorder in which bits of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grow inside a woman’s body, outside of the uterus. The uterus is a hollow organ within a woman’s abdomen where a fertilized egg implants and where a developing baby is nourished and grows. These misplaced bits of

The precise cause of endometriosis is unknown, but there are several theories to explain it: Retrograde Menstruation – It is known that menstrual blood can flow backwards along the fallopian tubes during a woman’s period, carrying with it living endometrial cells. Then, instead of flowing out through the cervix and vagina as in normal menstruation, the

Several factors make a woman more likely to develop endometriosis: Age – Endometriosis occurs most commonly in women between the ages of 25 and 44. It can also occur in teenagers, although this is less common. Women who have given birth after the age of 30 may also be more prone to develop it. Race – Endometriosis

Endometriosis is diagnosed by: Physical examination Laparoscopy Transvaginal ultrasound Other tests Physical Examination It’s not unusual for a pelvic examination to reveal no sign of possible endometriosis. In some cases, however, there are some signs: Occasionally during a pelvic exam, a physician may feel a cyst on an ovary that is caused by endometriosis. A

In some women, endometriosis causes no symptoms or mild symptoms and does not need to be treated at all. However, untreated endometriosis can continue to worsen, so these women should continue to have regular examinations to monitor the condition. If endometriosis is causing symptoms or is interfering with a woman’s ability to become pregnant, several

For women with mild to moderate symptoms, medication may be the best treatment option. A course of medication is also sometimes prescribed along with conservative surgery. Medications to treat endometriosis include: Pain relievers Hormonal treatments Oral contraceptives Progesterone Danazol GnRH agonists Pain Relievers Over-the-counter pain relievers may include aspirin, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such

Surgery may be considered for women with severe pain whose symptoms are not relieved with medication. For these women, the treatment can be tailored depending on whether they want to be able to have children. Conservative surgery can help preserve a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Conservative surgical procedures include: Laparoscopy Laparotomy Laser surgery Electrocautery

Hysterectomy, the most radical treatment for endometriosis, involves surgically removing the uterus, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes, along with as many areas as possible of misplaced endometrial tissue. A hysterectomy can be performed by making a cut (incision) in your abdomen, which exposes the organs and tissues that need to be removed. This is

It’s estimated that 40 to 50 percent of infertile women may have endometriosis. Endometriosis may be related to infertility in several ways: Women who experience deep pain during intercourse may choose to have intercourse less often, reducing the likelihood of becoming pregnant. Scar tissue from endometriosis can form adhesions around the ovary and restrict the

There are certain steps that a woman can take to either help prevent endometriosis or keep it from becoming worse: A woman with abdominal pain, especially if it occurs just before the start of her period, should see a physician. Early diagnosis offers the best chance of effective treatment. Women who have a problem with