Endometriosis

There are many theories proposed for the exact cause for endometriosis and these are linked with heredity, dioxins, hormonal problems or immune system dysfunction.



Some believe that during a menstrual cycle the menstrual tissue tends to flow backwards through the uterus and deposits on the pelvic organs. Endometriosis affects every nationality fairly and can itself manifest in a number of ways.

The symptoms of endometriosis will depend on the location of the lesions, however some general symptoms include pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, painful orgasms, infertility, painful bowel movements, lower back pain that may radiate to the legs and fatigue.

Laparoscopy and biopsy are the most certain ways for effective diagnosis of endometriosis, as physical or visual diagnosis can be often tricky. Based on the depths and location of endometriosis, it is staged accordingly. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's Revised Classification of Endometriosis the stages are as follows - Minimal or Stage I – 1 to 5 points, Mild or Stage II 6 to15 points, Moderate or Stage III -16 to 40 points, Severe or Stage IV 40 points ++.



The level of pain does not correlate with the stage; in fact some women with endometriosis may not even feel any pain or any endometriosis symptoms and may not even know that they are suffering from it until a problem like infertility is diagnosed.

Endometriosis treatment does not depend on the stage of endometriosis but it depends on the severity of patient’s symptoms and goals. A variety of treatment options are available, but a woman has to decide keeping in mind their risks verses its benefits.



For example drugs used in the treatment of endometriosis can put a woman to the risk of chemical menopause and the ones used to shrink endometriosis lesions may stop ovulation. Side effects of these drugs can not be overseen and there is always a risk of reoccurrence once the treatment is stopped.
 
Surgery is also an option available to destroy or remove endometriosis and restore the normal anatomy.



Removing endometriosis may help relieve pain and also solve infertility problem if endometriosis is the cause. Endometriosis surgery can be laparoscopy or laparotomy that is the more extensive surgery which involves abdominal incision and longer recovery time. Radical surgery is the only option available sometimes for some women which involves removal of ovaries, uterus and endometriosis lesions as well.

Another options used by women may include over the counter available pain killers, acupuncture therapy or nerve blocks, herbal medicines, dietary modifications, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, vitamin supplementations, immunotherapy and allergy management. Depending on the type of treatment the cost would vary, however the ones that are expensive include surgery and newer drugs.