Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

• ovaries
• uterus
• bowel
• bladder
• ligaments that hold the uterus in place
• peritoneum (covering lining of the pelvis and abdominal cavity)
• and rarely in other distant sites

What are symptoms of Endometriosis?

• with period
• when inserting tampon
• during ovulation
• in the bowel during menstruation
• when passing urine
• during or after intercourse
• in the lower back region

Other symptoms may include: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue, infertility.

Is it normal to have pain with my period?

There can be a few different reasons why you have pain with your period. One of these reasons is Endometriosis.

How is Endometriosis treated?

Depending on the specifics of your condition, the doctor may treat Endometriosis with surgery, drugs, or use natural therapies.

Surgery
In some circumstances surgery can be very effective in the treatment of Endometriosis. It is crucial that ALL the Endometriosis be removed at the time of surgery for good results. This requires surgical expertise. The Endometriosis may be removed using excision, laser, vaporization, or coagulation. Laparoscopy is the least invasive type of surgery and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Surgery is not considered a cure, but will provide relief for many years.

Drugs
Hormonal treatments are another option for treatment of Endometriosis. There are a few hormonal treatments for Endometriosis. The hormones are used to mimic pregnancy in the patient. Side effects, some irreversible are a draw back

Birth Control Pills: In some cases birth control pill containing both estrogen and progestin help to keep Endometriosis in check. The patient takes the birth control pill continuously without taking the sugar pills. The effect is no menstruation for the patient. The idea behind the theory of using birth control pills is that if the patient does not have her period, then the endometrial cells displaced in the abdomen won't bleed either. This is what causes the pain and adhesions.

GnRH Agonists: These drugs are for short term use. They work by placing the body in a state of menopause.

• omitting caffeine, sugar, and/or alcoholic beverages from their diet
• following a macrobiotic diet
• evening primrose oil
• B complex vitamins
• Chinese herbal teas
• vitamin E and selenium taken together
• Acupuncture/Acupressure
• yoga
• biofeedback
• meditation
• regular exercise

How is Endometriosis diagnosed?

The doctor can give you a probable diagnosis with an examination. Definite diagnosis is only possible through laparoscopic inspection.

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