Endometriosis is the outcome from complications in menstruation. Delayed childbearing exposes the woman to more menstrual cycles, which increases the risk of endometriosis. This happens when the shed endometrium ( or uterus lining ) does not leave the body with the menstrual flow. The implants attach themselves to fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus, bowel, bladder or other organs nearby. These implants swell with the rise of estrogen level and bleeds with the drop. This bleeding causes inflammation of the pelvic region and pain results.
The only natural relief comes during menopause when the symptoms of Endometriosis fade or disappear. Pregnancy may temporary relieve Endometriosis but this condition continues after delivery.
The exact cause of Endometriosis is unknown. As with many other medical conditions, Endometriosis is hereditary. The worst symptom of Endometriosis is not the pain but the resultant infertility. About 40 % of all women inflicted with Endometriosis become infertile. The condition is only known after a doctor is consulted for fertility problems. Other inconvenient symptoms of Endometriosis are menstrual cramping, pain during urination or during intercourse.
Endometriosis is diagnosed by an internal medical examination. An instrument called a laparascope is inserted through a tiny surgical incision below the naval. This is a minor surgery under general anaethesia. A laparascope enables the surgeon to search for endometrial tissue. After this, he has the knowledge of what treatment to prescribe.
Mild Endometriosis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. These relieve pain but won't cure Endometriosis. More severe Endometriosis deserves hormone therapy to mimic pregnancy. Endometrial implants will then decrease and the inflammation and pain also decreases.
Severe Endometriosis is treated with stronger hormonal drugs. If the blood cysts are larger than 2 cm in diameter, surgery is required. A laser beam is used to remove or destroy smaller blood cysts. For larger blood cysts, laparotomy is the surgical removal recommended. If the extent of Endometriosis is too severe, removal of the ovaries and uterus can be considered. The patient may decide on this if she has completed her family.
To decrease the risk of getting Endometriosis, women who are planning childbirth should consider childbearing early.
