WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis, and make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual cycle and last until menopause.
Endometriosis is a condition that most commonly impacts people between the ages of 25 and 40. It can also happen to younger people during their teenage years. Although many people find relief from endometriosis symptoms after menopause, it can still cause discomfort and pain.
Causes of Endometriosis
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. When you have endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows in the wrong places. When it develops in places like the outside of your uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestine and within your pelvic cavity, it can cause painful symptoms. This pain is related to increased inflammation and often fibrosis and adhesions.
When endometrial-like tissue grows outside of your uterus, it can cause scar tissue (adhesions). These sections of scar tissue can fuse your organs — creating connections between them that normally wouldn’t be there. This can lead to discomfort and pain.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
There are many symptoms connected with endometriosis. The main symptom is pain. This pain can be intense or mild. It can typically be felt in your abdomen, pelvic region and lower back. Although it is a common condition, not all people will experience symptoms. Sometimes, you can have endometriosis and not know until it’s found during another procedure or investigation of infertility.
People who do experience symptoms of endometriosis may have:
Very painful menstrual cramps.
Abdominal pain or back pain during your period or in between periods.
Pain during sex.
Heavy bleeding during periods or spotting (light bleeding) between periods.
Infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant).
Painful bowel movements.
Myths
-Endometriosis is not fibroid
-It is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is not caused by microorganisms and hence cannot be transmitted from person to person.
-It is not caused by caesarean section births.
-It is not caused by contraceptive abuse. -Imbalanced hormones does not lead to endometriosis.
-It is not inherited. Very little information is available on the congenital bases of endometriosis. At present, the causes of endometriosis are unknown.
Key Facts
-Endometriosis affect roughly 10% (190 million) women and girls of reproductive age globally.
-It is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue and sometimes depression, anxiety and infertility.
-There is currently no known cure for endometriosis and treatment is usually aimed at controlling symptoms.
-Access to early diagnosis and effective treatment of endometriosis is important, but is limited in many settings.
Risk Factors for Endometriosis
There are some factors that can place you at a higher risk of developing endometriosis. These factors can include:
1. Family history of endometriosis.
2. The age you first start having periods.
3. People who begin menstruating before age 11 may be at a higher risk.
4. The length of your menstrual cycle (shorter time between periods) and the duration of flow (how many days of bleeding).
5. Defects in your uterus or fallopian tubes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of endometriosis include the use of:
Ultrasonography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Histology
And Laparoscopic Visualization.
Visit Robin Diagnostic Ltd for these services.
Note that, you will see your gynecologist for treatment if your diagnosis is positive for endometriosis.
REFERENCES
who.int/news-room/facts-sheets/detail/endometriosis
March of Dimes. Uterine Conditions (https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/uterine-conditions.aspx). Accessed 7/27/2022.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Endometriosis (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/endometriosis/endometriosis). Accessed 7/27/2022.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Endometriosis (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis). Accessed 7/27/2022.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Reproductive Health Concerns for Women (https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/womensrh/healthconcerns.html). Accessed 7/27/2022.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Endometriosis (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometriosis). Accessed 7/27/2022.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Endometriosis (https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis). Accessed 7/27/2022.