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Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be a female health disorder that occurs when cells from the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other places on the body. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are usually under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a manner that is similar to the cells discovered inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual period.

Endometriosis is normally seen during the reproductive years; it is often estimated that endometriosis occurs in approximately 6-10% of females. Symptoms might depend on the site of active endometriosis. Its main but not common indication is pelvic pain in several manifestations. This may lead to pain, irregular bleeding, and issues becoming pregnant (infertility).

Endometriosis affects females within their reproductive years. The actual prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women of all ages may have the condition and have no signs. Endometriosis is usually estimated to impact over one million females (estimates range from 3% to 18% of females) in the United States. It is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and reasons behind laparoscopic surgery and hysterectomy in this country. Estimates suggest that between 20% to 50% of women being treated for infertility have endometriosis, and up to 81% of females with chronic pelvic pain may be affected.

The reason for endometriosis is unknown. One theory is that the endometrial cells shed when you get your period travel in reverse through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis, where they implant and grow. It is known as retrograde menstruation. This backward menstrual circulation happens in most women, but experts think the immune system may be different in women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is usual. Sometimes, it might run in the family. Although endometriosis is normally identified between ages 25 - 35, the condition probably begins about the time that usual menstruation begins.

Symptoms:

Pain is the most important symptom of endometriosis. A woman with endometriosis could have:

� Painful periods

� Pain in the lower stomach just before and during menstruation

� Cramps for a week or two before menstruation and during menstruation; cramps can be steady and range from flat to critical)

� Pain during or subsequent intercourse

� Pain with bowel movements

� Pelvic or back pain that may occur anytime during the menstrual cycle

Notice: There might be no signs and symptoms. A few women having a large number of tissue implants in their pelvis have no pain at all, although some women with milder disease have serious pain.

Complications: Complications of endometriosis contain internal scarring, adhesions, pelvic cysts, chocolate cyst of ovaries, ruptured cysts, and bowel and ureteral obstruction as a result of pelvic adhesions. Infertility may be related to scar formation and anatomical distortions due to the endometriosis; however, endometriosis might also interfere in more subtle ways: cytokines and other chemical agents might be released that interfere with reproduction. Peritonitis from bowel perforation can happen. Ovarian endometriosis may complicate pregnancy by decidualization, abscess and/or rupture. Pleural implantations are related to recurrent right pneumothoraces on occasion of menses, termed catamenial pneumothorax.

Treatment:

Endometriosis can be treated with medications and/or surgery. The goals of endometriosis therapy might include pain relief and/or improvement of fertility. Therapy depends upon the below factors:

� Age

� Severity of symptoms

� Severity of disease

� Whether you want kids in the future

If you have mild symptoms and don't ever want children, you may decide to have usual exams every 6 - 12 months so the doctor can make sure the disease is not getting worse. You can manage your symptoms by using:

� Exercise and relaxation methods

� Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or prescription pain relievers to relieve cramping and pain.

For many other women, treatments include:

� Medications to control pain

� Hormone medicines to prevent the endometriosis from getting worse

� Surgery treatment to remove the areas of endometriosis or the entire uterus and ovaries

Therapy to stop the endometriosis from getting worse frequently involves using birth control pills continuously for 6 - 9 months to prevent you from having periods and create a pregnancy-like state. This is called pseudopregnancy. This therapy uses progesterone and estrogen birth control tablets. It relieves most endometriosis symptoms. However, it does not prevent scarring or reverse physical changes that have already occurred as the result of the endometriosis.