1. Endometriosis With endometriosis, tissue from the lining (endometrium) of the uterus becomes implanted in the outer surface of the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond the reproductive organs and pelvic region. The endometrial tissue is normally located inside your uterus, and if a woman is not pregnant this tissue builds up and is shed each month. It is discharged as menstrual flow at the end of each cycle. Endometriosis is often painful, and scar tissue can form in your pelvic area. The 4 stages (classification) of endometriosis (minimal, mild, moderate or severe) are used to describe the body location and the severity of the disorder. Endometriosis can affect females between puberty and menopause, but is most common between ages 20 and 30. Endometrial cancer is very rarely associated with endometriosis. Frequent Signs and Symptoms Endometriosis affects each woman differently. When you have your period, the misplaced tissue swells and bleeds, just like the lining of your uterus. The following symptoms may begin abruptly or develop over many years: • Increased pelvic pain during menstrual periods, especially the last days, or the pelvic pain may occur at anytime. • Pain with sexual intercourse. • Premenstrual spotting. • Blood in the urine. • Back pain. • Pain with intestinal contractions. • Blood in the stool (sometimes). • Infertility. Causes Unknown. Research is ongoing to pinpoint the cause. The predominan theory is that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen (retrograde menstruation), where it implants and grows. Another theory is that endometriosis may be a genetic process, or that certain families may have predisposing factors to endometriosis. There is a theory that endometriosis is a disease influenced by delayed childbearing. Risk Increases With/In • Women who don’t become pregnant or who delay childbirth. • Women with family history of endometriosis. • Medical conditions that block or constrict the cervix or vagina. Preventitive Measures There are no specific preventive steps. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent the spread of the endometriosis. Expected Outcome • Without treatment, endometriosis becomes increasingly severe. It subsides after menopause when estrogen production decreases. • Symptoms can be relieved with medication, and/or surgery. • Women with severe disease have less success with treatment. • Pregnancy should occur if desired, but may depend on severity of disease. Possible Complications • Infertility (from implants that cause adhesions or scar tissue and constrict the fallopian tubes). • Pain that causes stress and disruptions in lifestyle. • Adhesions of pelvic organs. • Recurrences of endometriosis are fairly common. • Implants on the ovary can lead to large cysts and pelvic masses called endometriomas.
Next Topic >
