ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis Endometriosis is a disorder where the innermost layer of the uterus, the endometrium, grows in locations outside the uterus. Endometriosis may cause adhesions on the uterus. The uterus can become stuck to the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and bowel. Although many patients experience excessive pain, some women with endometriosis do not experience any symptoms (asymptomatic). Generally, it causes pain around the time of the menstrual period but, for some women, the pain is almost constant. Symptoms The symptoms of endometriosis vary broadly from woman to woman, and the severity of symptoms is not necessarily connected to the severity of the endometriosis. Symptoms depend on the extent and location of the endometrial implants and the affected structures. While some women have few or no symptoms, others experience severe and incapacitating pain that recurs each month for many years. Symptoms include: Symptoms include:          

• Difficulty in getting pregnant
• Painful urination
• Lower back, thigh and/or leg pain
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Period pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic and abdominal pain outside of menstruation
• Abnormal bleeding – including heavy bleeding, clotting, prolonged bleeding, irregular bleeding, premenstrual spotting
• Bowel disturbances – including painful bowel motions, diarrhoea, constipation, bleeding from the bowel

Special tests to diagnose endometriosis The tests used to help diagnose endometriosis are: Laparoscopy – a medical instrument with a video camera close is used to examine your uterus Ultrasound – instrument which uses sound waves to generate a video image Colonoscopy – a medical instrument with a video camera attached is used to examine your bowel. This is done if it is thought that the endometriosis could also be affecting your bowel Treatment Treatment for endometriosis depends on a number of factors including

• The extent of the endometriosis
• The woman’s age and
• Her outcome requirements