Endometriosis is a disease that affects many women in the world today.
Strangely enough, most women do not realize that they have endometriosis until the symptoms are severe.
Most women dismiss the symptoms as bad cramps or just a heavy period.
Endometriosis can be mild or severe and the symptoms are not necessarily a good indicator of how advanced the disease has become.
Pelvic pain is the most common complaint from women with endometriosis.
Pain can be centered around the pelvic area, but if it has spread to other organs and areas, patients can experience back pain as well.
Endometriosis is a progressive disease that can get worse and worse over time.
Women suffering from endometriosis often complain of constipation or diarrhea during menstruation.
Fatigue, heavy or irregular periods and pain during sexual intercourse are also common symptoms.
Some women have severe pain and very little endometriosis while others have very advanced endometriosis and little to no pain whatsoever.
Many women find out that they have endometriosis when they are unsuccessful at becoming pregnant.
Infertility caused by endometriosis is very common.
No one knows for sure what causes endometriosis, but the endometriosis implants are similar to uterine lining that has traveled outside of the uterus.
Endometrial cells can grow and shed with hormonal changes with the uterine lining.
Endometriosis can be found on reproductive organs, inside the abdominal cavity and even on intestines and other abdominal organs.
Endometriosis can only be confirmed if a diagnostic laparoscopic surgery is performed.
This is a minor surgery where your doctor will insert a small tube containing a camera, called a laparoscope, into your lower abdomen.
Your abdomen will be inflated with gas so that the doctor can get a good look around.
During this procedure, your doctor will most likely take samples of the endometrial tissue for biopsy.
Treatments range from pain management to hysterectomy.
Birth control pills are commonly used to prevent endometriosis from growing.
Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers can help improve discomfort.
Surgically, your doctor can use lasers and small knives during laparoscopy to remove endometriosis implants.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms or if you are having trouble conceiving, speak with an your obstetrician/gynecologist about what options may be available to you.
If you do receive a positive diagnosis of endometriosis, keep in mind that it is a progressive disease.
Severe organ damage can occur if you allow endometriosis to go untreated.
It is very important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect endometriosis.