REPROSAIT 4 U

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the womb (uterus), grows in locations outside the uterus.

Endometriosis may cause adhesions (fibrous scar tissue) on the uterus.

The uterus can become stuck to the ovaries, fallopian tubes and bowel.
The pain of endometriosis can be so bad that it stops you from going to work or school. Usually, it causes pain around the time of your period but for some women the pain is almost constant. If you need treatment, you may need emotional as well as physical support.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful periods
• Pain with sex
• Pelvic pain
• Ovulation pain
• Pain in the lower back and thighs
• Bowel symptoms
• Bladder symptoms
• Reduced fertility
• Nausea and lethargy
• Pre-menstrual tension (PMT).

Many women think that painful periods are normal. If you have bad period pain, you should see your doctor.

Diagnosis

Tests that are used to help diagnose endometriosis include:

• LAPAROSCOPY– surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic, where a medical instrument with a video camera attached is used to examine your pelvic organs.
• ULTRASOUND – a vaginal or abdominal instrument that uses sound waves to create a video image of your pelvic organs.
• COLONOSCOPY– a medical instrument with a video camera attached that is used to examine your bowel. This is done if it is thought that the endometriosis could also be affecting your bowel. You would be sedated for the procedure.

Endometriosis may not show up during an internal pelvic examination. Your doctor may need to refer you to a gynaecologist if you have endometriosis.

Treatment

Endometriosis can be treated medically (with drugs or medicine) or with surgery. Sometimes both medicine and surgery are used. Some women also benefit from natural therapies.
Drug therapy
Medications that are used to help treat endometriosis include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain killers (Mersyndol is often used)
• Hormonal treatments, which suppress ovulation and menstruation and may have side effects. There are different categories of these such as GnRH agonists (Zoladex, Synarel), androgenic steroids (Danocrine, Azol, Dimetriose), progestogens (Provera, Duphaston, Primolut) and the oral contraceptive pill.

Surgery

Surgical methods used to treat endometriosis include:

• LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY– performed to diagnose and treat endometriosis. Laser surgery may be used to remove the adhesions. This is done to reduce pain and improve the chances of you becoming pregnant.
• LAPAROTOMY – to cut out or burn tissue or remove cysts.
• BOWEL RESECTION – may be necessary if the bowel has developed endometriosis adhesions.
• HYSTERECTOMY(removal of the uterus) – may be an option if endometriosis is significantly impacting on your quality of life and other treatments have not worked.

If your ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, you will need to discuss hormone replacement with your doctor.

Complementary therapies

There are many different forms of complementary therapies that can be used to treat endometriosis. Most therapies may be used in conjunction with Western medicine or instead of surgery and drug therapy.

Examples of different therapies include:

• Herbal medicine
• Homeopathy
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Nutritional therapies
• Massage
• Yoga.