Symptoms and treatment for endometriosis

Endometriosis

* The lining of the womb is called the endometrium. Endometriosis is a condition where fragments of womb lining grow outside of the uterus into the pelvis, and rarely, in the abdomen.
* Endometriosis can affect 1 in 10 women, and is more common between the ages of 25 and 40yrs.
* It is one of the commonest conditions encountered by gynaecologists, yet the cause remains a mystery. Maybe, at period time, some of the endometrial shedding (menstrual loss) `backfires' up the fallopian tubes into the pelvis, rather than down into the vagina!
* Diagnosis is difficult, because women may suffer all or some of the following symptoms which can occur in the middle of the cycle or at period time:
Pain: often severe cramping pains in the lower abdomen or pelvic region. Heavy menstrual bleeding is common, with low back pain towards the end of the period. Painful intercourse: sex may be avoided, because pressure on swollen endometrial tissue in the pelvis can cause severe pain. Infertility: endometriosis is the commonest cause of infertility in women over the age of 25 yrs.
* Many women `suffer in silence', thinking they have to put up with it, because they only have painful periods! Endometriosis can be treated. There is no need to suffer!!
* Diagnosis involves `laparoscopy', where a thin light tube is inserted into the lower abdomen through a very small incision, allowing the doctor to see the interior of the pelvis and abdomen.
* Hormone treatments such as `Danol', `Provera', `Depo Provera', and `Primulot N' have been popular in the past. Two newer products, Prostap SR and Zoladex are long acting substances which are injected under the skin of the abdominal wall, once a month for a maximum of six months.
* Two unusual treatments `Suprecur' and `Synarel', deliver hormones into the body as nasal sprays. Used two or three times daily for a maximum of six months, these may produce an improvement, but are expensive!
* With severe cases, lasers are used to remove abnormal tissue, and with older women who already have a family, hysterectomy is a reasonable option. * Further information can be obtained from The National Endometriosis Society, 35 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8QB. Telephone Helpline 0171 235 4137, weekdays 7 10pm
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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