About Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common and treatable disease that is known to affect approximately five million American women. Although there is no cure, the symptoms of endometriosis can be controlled with the help of an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) that can offer an acceptable course of action.

Identification

• The uterus is comprised of tissue that is called endometrium. When there is an overgrowth of endometrium, or when this type of tissue grows in other areas of the body that are outside the uterus, the condition is known as endometriosis. Excessive tissue can result in tumors, cysts and nodules.

Effects

• Endometriosis can result in extreme pain and discomfort as well as, infertility and heavier than normal periods. Spotting in between periods is also a symptom, along with intestinal discomfort and pain during urination and bowel movements. Anemia can also be a symptom, resulting in extreme fatigue that can be a direct result of excess blood loss.

Theories/Speculation

• The causes of endometriosis are unknown, but there has been much speculation concerning hereditary factors that can potentially increase a woman's chances of inheriting the disease. Scientists now believe that if other female relatives within the family unit have endometriosis, a woman's chances of inheriting it are increased as much as six times that of families that are untouched by the disease.
  Genetics aside, scientists also theorize that endometriosis may also be caused by an immune deficiency disorder. Failure by the body's immune system to identify and destroy the misplaced endometrium tissue can make a woman symptomatic.

Prevention/Solution

• Severe cases of endometriosis are often controlled with surgical procedures that can remove the excess tissue and offer some relief. Laparoscopy is a common procedure that destroys the misplaced tissue with heat from a laser. More invasive treatments such as hysterectomy and major abdominal surgery are also options, but the recovery time is much longer. Unlike laparoscopy, abdominal surgery is done with the aide of a large incision. Hysterectomy is more extreme, and often used as a final course of action for relief. During this procedure the uterus is removed, and in some cases the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
  Cases that are milder in nature can be controlled with the use of over the counter pain medications or hormone treatments. Progestins and birth control pills are prescribed, and often inhibit pregnancy during their ingestion.

Considerations

• Women who are experiencing the pain and discomforts of endometriosis may want to consider lifestyle changes. Science has proven that an increase in exercise can greatly reduce the symptoms of endometriosis, and can also be a mood elevator. Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine can worsen an already painful situation. Therefore, cessation is highly recommended.

Misconceptions

• Women with painful periods have often been told that the condition is normal. Unfortunately, such misconceptions that have surrounded the menstrual cycle for centuries, has resulted in women with endometriosis sometimes going undiagnosed. While minor pain can be expected, extreme cramping can often signal a more severe problem. Also, contrary to popular belief, endometriosis also knows no age limits, and women of any age can be faced with disease symptoms. Finally, there is no clear indication that endometriosis causes infertility problems. Statistics prove that women can still become pregnant in spite of endometriosis.