ENDOMETRIOSIS

What is Endometriosis?

This is a painful disorder which often occurs in the uterus. This is caused as a result of the growth of the endometrium (tissue lining the inside of the uterus) outside your uterus. The prevalence of endometriosis mostly occurs in the fallopian tubes, ovaries and lining of the pelvis. In most cases, endometriosis does not spread beyond the pelvic organs. Even in cases where the endometriosis is displaced, the endometrial tissue will continue to perform as normal; it get thick, breaks down and bleed during each menstrual cycle. This displaced tissue eventually gets trapped in your body since it lacks an outlet to exit. In the cases where endometriosis includes the ovaries, endometriomas (cysts) may form. The surrounding tissues can become irritated and will eventually develop into scars. The occurrence of endometriosis can cause pains during periods. It may also lead to fertility problems even though treatment measures through medication and surgeries are available. 

Signs and Symptoms

The major symptoms associated with endometriosis are those linked with the experience of pains in the pelvic region which is often associated with menstrual period. Despite the fact that women may experience cramps in their periods, they usually have an abnormal menstrual pain. 

Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with endometriosis include the following; 

• Excessive bleeding
• Infertility
• Painful bowel movements or urination. 
• Pain with intercourse.
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). 
• Other symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, ENDOMETRIOSIS

Causes

Despite the fact that the major cause of endometriosis is not certain, some possible explanations for the condition include; 

• Retrograde menstruation: In this situation, the menstrual blood containing the endometrial cells tends to flow back through the fallopian tubes and into the  pelvic cavity rather than the body. 
• Transformation of peritoneal cells: In this case, it is proposed that hormones or the immune system promote the peritoneal cells (cells which lines the inner side of the abdomen into endometrial cells). 
• Embryonic cell transformation
• Surgical scar implantation
• Endometrial cells transport
• Immune system disorder

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of endometriosis and other complications associated with pain in the pelvic region are carried as described below; 

• Pelvic exam for cysts on the reproductive organs
• Ultrasound scanning 
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Laparoscopy

Treatment

The treatment measure for endometriosis usually follows or involves the use of medication or surgical procedures in extreme cases. The approach used for the treatment is strictly based on the decision of your medical doctor, the presenting clinical signs and severity of the symptoms. 

The mainly recommended treatment procedures are listed below; 

• Use of Pain medication such as NSAIDs, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium to help ease painful menstrual cramps.
• Hormone therapy which primarily involves the elimination of pain associated with endometriosis. These therapy comes in the form of hormonal contraceptives, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, Progestin therapy and Aromatase inhibitors. 
• Surgical operations