Endometriosis

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

Overview

The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. During a menstrual period, the lining of the endometrium is shed through the vagina. In endometriosis, fragments of endometrium develop in places other than the inner lining of the uterus. These fragments may develop on the ovaries, or sometimes on the fallopian tubes, the vagina, the peritoneum, or the intestine.

Most women find out about their diagnosis of endometriosis when they note pelvic pain or severe menstrual cramps. Endometriosis can also make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant. Mild forms of endometriosis are common and may not require treatment.

Who can get endometriosis?

Any woman who has menstrual periods can get endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs most often between the ages of 25 and 40, but it also can occur in younger women. This condition may also persist after menopause in some women, but such an occurrence is very uncommon.

Causes

What causes endometriosis?

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. Some experts believe that pieces of endometrium travel back through the fallopian tubes and pass out into the pelvic cavity (space inside the pelvis that holds the reproductive organs). Tiny pieces of tissue may lodge on surfaces of the reproductive organs. During menstruation, the tissue bleeds, just like the endometrium inside the uterus. Surrounding tissue may become inflamed. Over time, scar tissue and cysts can form.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Many times, endometriosis has no symptoms.

When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Very painful menstrual cramps
• Painful sex
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation
• Painful bowel movements

There is no connection between the symptoms and severity or extent of endometriosis. In other words, patients with very mild disease may have very severe symptoms while those with significant disease may not experience significant symptoms.

Diagnosis

How do you find out if you have endometriosis?

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned previously, see your physician. You may need to undergo a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. In this procedure, a small scope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen, so the physician can look for endometrial implants. Many times, the physician will biopsy these implants in order to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is clear, he or she will attempt to remove the implants during this surgery.

Treatment

What is the treatment for endometriosis?

There is no known cure for endometriosis. However, there are treatments to reduce the size of tissue growth and to relieve painful symptoms.

Treatment for endometriosis symptoms may include:

• Birth control pills
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Mirena® IUD
• Danazol® (Danocrine)
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH agonist)
• Progestins

Although medical therapy will relieve pain, it will not increase fertility rates. On the other hand, surgery may improve the pregnancy rate as well as relieve pain.

For severe cases, both medical and surgical treatment will improve the symptoms of pain. As with mild disease, surgery will improve pregnancy rates. In cases of mild and severe endometriosis, infertility treatment options like artificial insemination and/or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered if pain is not a primary concern. Your doctor is the best source of information about your particular situation.

References:

1. American Congress of Gynecologists. Endometriosis. Accessed 6/5/2014.
2. Womenshealth.gov. Endometriosis Fact Sheet. Accessed 6/5/2014.

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