Endometriosis

nWhat is Endometriosis?nEndometriosis, a health problem in women, is also found to be a cause of infertility. The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus (womb) and when this tissue finds itself outside on other areas, the resulting condition is called endometriosis. Endometriosis can be found: nn• On or under the ovariesn• Behind the uterusn• On the tissues that hold the uterus in placen• On the bowels or bladder. nnThis tissue gone astray can cause severe pain, infertility and very heavy periods.nnSymptoms of EndometriosisnPain is the most common symptom of this ailment, and they are often concentrated in the abdomen, lower back and pelvic areas. Other symptoms may include: n• Painful menstrual crampsn• Pain during and after sexn• Intestinal painn• Painful bowel movement and urination during menstrual periodn• Heavy and long menstrual periodsn• Spotting or bleeding between periodsn• FatiguennWomen with endometriosis may also suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating during menstrual periods.nnWho gets Endometriosis?nAround 5 Million American women have endometriosis; making it a common health problem for women. Women with this condition are averaging 27 years of age, get their monthly cycles and have 2-5 years of the symptoms before finding out they carry this condition.nnFactors Raising Chances of Endometriosisn• Starting her period at an early agen• Have heavy and prolonged periods (lasting more than 7 days)n• Have short monthly cycle (less than 27 days)n• Have relatives with endometriosis (mother/sister/aunt/cousins)nnHow do I reduce chances of developing Endometriosis?n• Exercise regularlyn• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinen• If you are constantly bothered by constant pain every time you have your period, consult an expert for early diagnosisnnHow would I know if I have Endometriosis?nIf your monthly period is always accompanied by pain, maybe it is time to submit yourself to a thorough examination by your own OB/GYN. Your family history will be reviewed and you may be subjected to certain procedures like pelvic exams. During this exam, your doctor can immediately see signs of endometriosis. At other times, further evaluation may be needed and you will therefore be made to undergo additional tests such as:n• Ultrasound (which uses sound waves to “see” the body)n• Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI (which uses magnets and radio waves to make a “ picture “ inside the body)nnThe only sure way to make sure is to undergo a surgery known as Laparoscopy. A tiny slit is made in the abdomen and a thin tube with light is placed inside to see growths from endometriosis. Sometimes diagnosis can be arrived at seeing these growths, but at other times, a biopsy (taking of a small portion of the tissue) may have to be performed.nnTreatmentnThere is no cure for endometriosis, but there are various treatments for pain and infertility that accompanies this condition. Your doctor will be the best authority on this. The kind of treatment you choose will depend on factors such as: the kind of symptoms you have, age and plans in starting your pregnancy.nnIf you are having mild symptoms and pains, you may just be made to take over-the-counter pain medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen) to bring remedy and relief.nnWhen pain medication won’t do and you have no plans of ngetting pregnant anytime soon, you can be treated with hormone medicines. This is best for women with small growths and don’t have severe pains.nnJust remember, the pain related to endometriosis is something that is not to be taken lightly. It can interfere with your life. nnDo not wait long in consulting your doctor. There are treatments that can relieve the symptoms- medicines for pain relief and surgery can help overcome the infertility issue. Be educated and learn as much of it as you can. You would be doing yourself a lot of good simply by talking to family, friends and your doctor.