Endometriosis

Overview

Endometriosis is a condition in which fragments of the endometrium (tissue lining the uterus) grow in other places, for example, the ovaries, ligaments inside the pelvis and fallopian tubes. It is a painful condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) involving cramps and pelvic pain, Ovulation pain, Heavy periods, Pain during intercourse, Pain during urination or bowel movements, Nausea, Bloating, Fatigue, Infertility

Common Causes

Retrograde menstruation, Transformation of peritoneal cells into endometrial cells, Hormones like estrogen transform embryonic cells into endometrial cells, Surgical scar implantation, Endometrial cell transport via blood or lymphatic vessels, Immune system disorder

Risk Factors

Menarche at an early age, Going through menopause at an older age, Have not had children, Low body mass index, Short menstrual cycles, Heavy menstrual periods which last more than 7 days, Exposure to higher levels of estrogen or greater lifetime exposure to estrogen, Family history of endometriosis, Reproductive tract abnormalities

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Pelvic examination, Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to look at the reproductive organs and identify endometriomas, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check the size and location of endometrial implants, Laparoscopy to check the size, extent, and location of endometrial implants

Treatment and Prevention

Pain medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, Hormonal therapy such as hormonal contraceptives, aromatase inhibitors, progestin therapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists, Surgery such as laparoscopic surgery, hysterectomy, and oophorectomy, Fertility treatment involving oral medications, hormonal injections, in vitro fertilisation