 Endometriosis
- the facts
We bring you
all the facts about endometriosis – a complex disease which can reduce the chances of
having a child...
What is endometriosis?
The name comes from the word 'endometrium' – the tissue that lines the inside of
the uterus (womb).
Endometriosis occurs when tissue normally found in the womb lining is found outside
the womb. The most common sites for endometriosis are the ovaries, the fallopian tubes,
the ligaments supporting the uterus, the internal area between the vagina and rectum, the
outer surface of the uterus, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Occasionally,
endometrial growths are found on the intestines, bladder, cervix or vulva, in the rectum
or in abdominal surgery scars. Very rarely, growths have been found outside the abdomen,
in the thigh, arm or lung.
Normally, if a woman is not pregnant, endometrial tissue builds up inside the uterus
and is shed each month during her period. Endometrial tissue outside the uterus responds
to the menstrual cycle in a similar way. At the end of every cycle, when the uterus sheds
its lining, endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus swells and bleed. But unlike the
womb lining, blood from this misplaced endometrial tissue has nowhere to go. The
surrounding tissues may become inflamed or swollen and the inflammation may make nearby
structures stick to each other and form bands of tissue which can cut across loops of
bowel. These bands, called 'adhesions', can cause fertility problems by blocking the
fallopian tubes which carry the egg from the ovaries and in which the sperm and egg mix to
allow fertilisation. Patches of endometrium outside the womb can also form cysts:
swellings containing the shed blood.
Severe endometriosis, with extensive scarring and organ damage, is a major cause of
infertility. Many women do not have their endometriosis diagnosed until they seek medical
help because they are not conceiving.
What are the symptoms?
Endometriosis is a complex disease and the extent of its presence does not
automatically correspond to the number or severity of symptoms. So it is possible for a
woman to have a number of severe symptoms and very little disease or to have no symptoms
and extensive disease. In general, the following are the most common and most easily
recognised symptoms:
- Pain before and during periods: Pain is a difficult thing to measure, but in the case of
endometriosis, it does not usually respond to 'over the counter' painkillers and a hot
water bottle. Or it may be that it is constant, sometimes developing into spasms. Many
women experience pain during periods, but pain before the period starts is also a possible
indication of endometriosis.
- Painful sex: This is a common symptom but, not surprisingly, is seldom spoken about by
women with this disease. Painful sex, particularly during deep penetration, may indicate
endometriosis.
- Painful bowel movement: This is perhaps the most difficult symptom to associate with
endometriosis. Bowel movement is painful if you are prone to constipation or 'piles', for
example. It can also indicate other conditions, like irritable bowel. However, it will
almost certainly be worse before and during periods and, in some cases, may be accompanied
by blood loss from the rectum. Combined with either or both of the above symptoms, this is
a strong indicator of endometriosis.
- Painful urination: Again, pain before or while passing water can indicate other
conditions. However, like a painful bowel, it will be worse before and during periods and
can also include blood loss.
There are other symptoms which women with endometriosis report – lower back pain,
leg pain, tiredness, depression and general ill health are among them.
|
