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Endometriosis
Medical Questions » Endometriosis
| Name: Endometriosis |
| Also known as: |
| The presence of cells that normally line the uterus (womb) in abnormal positions in the pelvis and abdomen. 2% of all women affected at some time. |
Causes of Endometriosis
The uterus is lined with endometrial cells that during the second half of a woman' s monthly cycle may accept a fertilized egg and allow it to grow into a baby. If no pregnancy occurs, these cells degenerate, break away from the inside of the uterus, and are carried out of the body in a woman' s period. From the top of the uterus, a Fallopian tube leads out to each of the two ovaries. In a small number of women, the endometrial cells go into and through these tubes to settle in abnormal positions around the ovary, on the outside of the uterus, or in the pelvic cavity, where they can start growing and spread further. These cells still respond to the woman' s hormonal cycle every month, will bleed with every period, releasing blood in places where it can cause symptoms. They can irritate the bladder, or settle on the outside of the intestine. |
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Depends on site of endometrial deposits, but pelvic pain, often worse at the time of a period, is usual. May also cause uterus and bowel cramps, diarrhea and frequent passage of urine due to bladder irritation. |
Tests for Endometriosis
Can only be diagnosed by examining a woman' s pelvis by means of an open operation or laparoscopy. |
Treatment for Endometriosis
Various medications (eg. hormones, danocrine) taken as tablets, implants or nasal sprays for many months settle mild to moderate cases. Removal of endometrial deposits is normally possible by laparoscopy (passing a number of small tubes into the abdomen), but open operation may be necessary to remove large amounts of abnormal tissue. As a last resort, a hysterectomy may be performed.
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Complications of Endometriosis of its treatment
Endometrial cells may block the Fallopian tubes to cause infertility. |
Likely Outcome of Endometriosis
Most patients are cured with medication and/or surgery, but some will be left permanently infertile. Artificial means of fertilization can help these women conceive, as their ovaries still function normally. |
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