Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

  • The endometrium is the inner lining of the womb in which an embryo (fertilised egg) is implanted and grows. When no egg is fertilised, the lining breaks down and is discharged as a period.
  • Endometriosis is a condition in which patches of endometrium occur in parts of your body other than your womb. Often this is your pelvis or lower abdomen (tummy), but it can also occur in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina and areas of the pelvis.
  • Most women with endometriosis are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 40.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person with some people having no symptoms at all. However the most common symptom is painful periods. With each menstrual cycle, the patches of endometrium go through the same sequence of changes that affects the womb lining. This includes the monthly casting-off of blood, mucus and surface tissue. Because the blood and other material produced often cannot escape, it can build up, causing pressure and pain.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Painful sexual intercourse.
  • Discomfort when urinating.
  • Bleeding from your bottom (rectum).

Other symptoms are varied and depend upon the location of this tissue.

Diagnosis

For a formal diagnosis to be made you have to be referred to a specialist for an examination called a laparoscopy. During a laparoscopy, a special narrow telescope (a laparoscope) is passed into your body so the specialist can view the endometrial tissue and occasionally take a small sample (a biopsy) for laboratory testing.

Treatment

Treatment for endometriosis is aimed at easing the symptoms as there is no cure. Treatments can include pain killers, hormone treatments and surgery. However, some people with mild symptoms decide not to take any treatment. In fact many cases of endometriosis get better without treatment.

Links

The links below will provide more detailed information.