Copyright 1990 Parlay International

Endometriosis is a disease affecting a woman's reproductive system. It can cause great pain and infertility in some women. A diagnosis of endometriosis means that tissue which usually lines the uterus (the endometrium) moves outside the uterus. It can grow on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the digestive organs or anywhere in the abdominal cavity. Endometrial growths (sometimes called lesions) can become filled with blood during your period, leading to severe cramps and pain.

A woman may experience symptoms during one month only, or over several years. Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms. The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown.

Symptoms
Below is a list of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. The more you check, the greater your chance of having this disease:

Cramps

• You miss days of work or school during your period
• You have nausea, vomiting or intestinal problems during your period
• Your cramps get worse each year

Abdominal Pain

• You have low back pain during your period
• Certain positions or movements cause you pelvic pain
• You have pain with bowel movements or urination

Pain During Intercourse

• You avoid sex because it might hurt
• You have pain deep in your vagina during intercourse
• Intercourse is more painful in some positions

Infertility

• You have been trying to become pregnant for at least twelve months

Early Diagnosis
Endometriosis occurs in women of all ages, including teenagers. Early diagnosis offers women the best chance of avoiding major surgery and of being able to have children. If your doctor suspects endometriosis, he or she will perform a pelvic exam and may order laboratory tests or an ultrasound procedure. Your doctor may also recommend a laparoscopy, a simple procedure in which a laparoscope (a thin, telescope-like instrument) is inserted in the abdomen, allowing your doctor to look directly into your pelvic cavity. This type of direct look is the only absolute way to diagnose endometriosis.

Treatment
Endometriosis is generally treated with hormone therapy, surgery or a combination of the two. Hormone treatment may include danazol (a synthetic male-like hormone), continuous or cycled birth control pills, progestins (synthetic progesterone) and new drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists. Most of these drugs reduce the size of endometrial growths by decreasing the amount of estrogen your body makes. Drugs like anti-prostaglandins (for example, aspirin and ibuprofen) can help relieve pain. Surgery is usually done only if other treatments do not work.

Back to Menstrual Problems