ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium (the
tissue that normally lines the uterus), is found in abnormal sites around
the body.
Usually, this occurs in the pelvis. These deposits can cause a number of
symptoms such
as pelvic pain and
infertility.
What are the symptoms?
Many women have endometriosis with no symptoms or problems but this is not always the case.
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Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- period pain
- Pain With Sex
- pelvic pain at other times of the menstrual cycle
- back pain
- low energy
- pain passing a bowel motion.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
A discussion about your symptoms and a physical examination should provide your doctor with enough
information to
determine if you might have endometriosis.
If your doctor thinks you may have endometriosis they will most likely recommend you have an
ultrasound.
This will
usually be able to show if you have lumps (nodules) of suspected endometrium growing near or into
your bowel and
bladder.
A definitive diagnosis can only be made if you have a laparoscopy (keyhole
surgery).
A tiny
incision is made in
your abdomen and a small sample of tissue taken.
Tests done on the tissue will confirm if
it is
endometrium or not.
Based on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will plan the best treatment for you.
There are currently no non-invasive tests for endometriosis available in Australia.
Endometriosis and Fertility
There are many reasons why a couple may be infertile. Endometriosis is sometimes found in women who are having trouble getting pregnant. In a minority of these women, scar tissue caused by the endometriosis will have caused a blockage of the fallopian tubes.
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However, in most women, it is not clear why endometriosis affects their fertility. Theories
include that the
endometriosis:
- Results in eggs that are less likely to fertilize
- Produces natural toxins to sperm.
