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Treating Endometriosis

By: Jo Johnson - Updated: 19 Jun 2013 | comments*Discuss
 
Endometriosis; Endometirum; Endometrial

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition affecting some women more than others and is most frequently seen in women below the age of 45.

What Exactly Is It?

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial cells are found to be surviving elsewhere in the body. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, but occasionally these cells transport to other areas causing pain and bleeding.

They bleed as they continue to function in the way they are intended and follow the menstrual cycle enlarging with blood then bleeding during a period. This blood can collect and cause pressure and pain.

Where Does Endometriosis Occur?

The most common places for the endometrial cells to be found outside of the uterus are in the abdominal cavity. Here they can be seen on the ovaries, bowel, bladder, fallopian tubes and the vagina.

Causes Of Endometriosis

The main cause of endometriosis is not actually known though medical professional believe that the menstrual blood flowing through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity where they are free in fluid to become attached to any surface they can may be a cause, and that genetics might be a factor.

There are some experts whom think that the female may have a low immunity meaning that in the incidence of the blood flowing through the tubes into the abdomen, they cannot fight off the new cell developments as well as others can.

Signs & Symptoms

Many women who have endometriosis do not feel they have any symptoms at all and that they suffer from the usual period pains and discomforts that everyone else has. Others find the condition excruciating including period pain, back pain, heavy periods, pain and bleeding during intercourse, intermittent bleeding and difficultly conceiving.

Treatments For Endometiosis

There is not one singular cure for endometriosis but the symptoms can be relieved which is often adequate for the sufferer.Pain relief is key in overcoming or learning to cope with this problem.

It may be beneficial to take pain relief a short time before intercourse in order to enjoy it more, as well as just before of during menstruation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines will probably work best as they will help to reduce the amount of inflammation in the pelvis as well as relieving other pain.

Research has proved that endometriosis cannot thrive without the presence of oestrogen so your doctor may recommend the use of a drug that inhibits the release of oestrogen. There are a wide variety of these types of drugs available and your doctor will discuss these in more detail according to your individual needs.

In some cases, when other methods are unsuitable or have failed surgery may be an option.The endometrial tissue can be burned using electrical equipment or lasers and can be performed using a key-hole technique.

This isn’t without any risks as a general anaesthetic is needed and there is no guarantee that it will work or be permanent. There is also a risk of damaging some of the organs and these risks will be discussed with you before your surgery.

If there is no other solution and the pain is unbearable, a hysterectomy may be considered but this will mean you will be unable to carry a pregnancy and is a radical treatment that is not routinely offered.

Endometriosis can cause very few problems in some women and can severely affect the lives of others.Each person will respond differently to each treatment making some more suitable than others.

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Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
I am 27,never been pregnant. My periods are never regular and usually last around 10 days, I have been on my current period for nearly 3 weeks, I'm also trying to conceive (9months trying so far)this doesn't help when I don't have regular periods what is wrong with me? I will eventually go to the docs, but you know what it's like, it's not very pleasant discussing certain things x
Bex1029 - 27-May-13 @ 1:15 PM
i have not had a period for two months, but close to my period date am still getting the symptoms, like tenderness in the breast, cramps and backache.
elesia - 8-Sep-12 @ 6:18 PM
can stress And low immune system cause your periods to be late please can you get back to me with above email address.
deb - 3-Mar-12 @ 4:15 PM
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