ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is an often painful disorder of the female reproductive system. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus is called the endometrium. In endometriosis the lining grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Rarely it can spread beyond that onto the bladder, bowel, vagina etc.

WHAT HAPPENS IN ENDOMETRIOSIS

During your menstrual cycle, hormones signal the lining of your uterus to thicken to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If a pregnancy does not occur, the hormone levels decrease, causing the thickened lining to shed. This produces bleeding that exists through your body through the vagina-your monthly period.

When the lining of the uterus is located elsewhere it continues to act in the same way - the lining thickens, breaks down and bleeds. But it has nowhere to go or exit the body. So it get trapped.

Trapped blood may lead to the growth of cyst - CHOCOLATE CYSTS. Cysts cause scar tissue and adhesions - that binds organs together.

This causes pain and infertility.

SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS 
1. PAIN - before and during periods. Can be very severe and increases over time.
2. INFERTILITY 
3. PAIN WITH INTERCOURSE 
4. OTHERS - pain with bowel movements or urination
                     - bloating
                     - nausea and vomiting

• Endometriosis is most likely to occur in women who haven’t had children - Some have an inherited tendency
•  It usually takes several years after the onset of menstruation (menarche) to develop
• When menstruation ends permanently with menopause or temporarily with pregnancy, the symptoms stop.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR 

Severe pain during your periods or a history of infertility.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed by

• ULTRASOUND - either abdominally or trans-vaginal.
• LAPAROSCOPY - sometimes during a routine or a diagnostic laparoscopy the doctor can directly visualise the cysts.

WHAT ARE YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS IF YOU HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS

If your symptoms are mild and you are not planning a pregnancy anytime soon your doctor may recommend

•     Pain Medications 
•     Hormone Therapy 

LAPAROSCOPIC CONSERVATIVE SURGERY 

• If you are trying to get pregnant, laparoscopic surgery to remove the cysts and scar tissue will increase the chance of your success. 
• If you have endometriosis that causes severe pain you may also benefit from your surgery.

LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY

In severe cases of endometriosis, a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and the removal of both ovaries may be the best treatment. Hysterectomy alone is also effective, but removing the ovaries ensures that endometriosis will not return.

RASHMI HOSPITAL TEAM 
At Rashmi Hospital we evaluate each patient on an individual basis to offer you options regarding endometriosis - especially with pain management.

WHAT CAUSES ENDOMETRIOSIS

The cause is really known but some theories have been put forward.

• The retrograde menstruation theory - suggests that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes and spills in the abdomen and grows. 
• Endometrial Cell Transport - through the blood system or lymph system
• Genetic Theory - same families have a predisposition
• Immune system disorder 
• Surgical Tear Implantation

Visit Us        : rashminursinghome.com
Reviewed By : Dr Deepak Rao 
Mail Us        : rashmihospital123@gmail.com
Book Your Appointment Here : rashminursinghome.com/book-appointment.html