Endometriosis

The uterus is made up of three layers of tissue and muscle. The innermost layer is called the endometrium, the second layer– myometrium and the third layer– the serosa.

Endometriosis is a condition where the innermost layer of the uterus (endometrium), grows in locations outside the uterus such as on the pelvic side-wall, ovary, bladder, or bowel. Endometriosis may cause adhesions on the uterus. The uterus can become stuck to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel. Although many patients experience extreme pain, some women with endometriosis do not experience any symptoms (asymptomatic). Usually, it causes pain around the time of the menstrual period but, for some women, the pain is almost constant.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely from woman to woman and the severity of symptoms is not necessarily related to the severity of the endometriosis. Symptoms depend on the extent and location of the endometrial implants and the affected structures. While some women have few or no symptoms, others experience severe and incapacitating pain that recurs each month for many years.

Many women think that painful periods are normal. If you have bad period pain, you should see your doctor.

Symptoms include:

• Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
• Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic and abdominal pain outside of menstruation
• Abnormal bleeding – including heavy bleeding, clotting, prolonged bleeding, irregular bleeding, premenstrual spotting
• Bowel disturbances – including painful bowel motions, diarrhea, constipation, bleeding from the bowel
• Difficulty in getting pregnant
• Painful urination
• Lower back, thigh and/or leg pain
• Premenstrual syndrome

The anticipation of recurrent pain or discomfort each month may also lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. It is important to acknowledge these emotional difficulties that may arise from endometriosis.

Special tests to diagnose endometriosis

The tests used to help diagnose endometriosis are:

• Laparoscopy – a medical instrument with a video camera attached is used to examine your uterus and pelvis.
• Ultrasound – instrument which uses sound waves to create a video image
• Colonoscopy – a medical instrument with a video camera attached is used to examine your bowel. This is done if it is thought that the endometriosis could also be affecting your bowel

Treatment

Treatment for endometriosis depends on a number of factors including:

• The severity of symptoms
• The extent of the endometriosis
• The woman’s age and
• Her treatment goals (e.g. reduction in pain, improved fertility)

No treatment can absolutely prevent endometriosis from recurring but a combination of regular medical follow-up, hormone medication and/or surgery can control the condition.

Having a baby may improve the condition. While endometriosis is suppressed during pregnancy, symptoms may recur in time, even as early as a few months after giving birth.

Medical treatment is essential for this condition. Hormones can usually treat endometriosis, and sometimes surgery may be indicated.

Drug therapy

Drugs used to treat endometriosis include:

• The oral contraceptive pill
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain medications
• Hormonal treatments (for example, Danazol, Lupron, Provera and Zoladex. Side effects of these drugs may include depression, hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats, loss of libido and headaches)

Surgery

Surgical options for endometriosis treatment include:

• Laparoscopic surgery – is performed to diagnose endometriosis. Laser surgery may be used to try and remove the adhesions. This may be done to reduce pain and to improve the chances of you becoming pregnant
• Laparotomy – is used to cut out or burn tissue, or remove cysts
• Bowel resection – for example, if the bowel has also developed endometriotic adhesions
• Hysterectomy – may be an option if endometriosis prevents you from having a normal life and other treatments have not worked