1) Endometriosis (pronounced end-oh-mee- tree-oh-sis)
Endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the womb (uterus). During the menstrual cycle it increases in thickness in preparation for pregnancy and if that does not occur, it is shed off. The bleeding that occurs during the shedding off is what is called as the menses.
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium is also found in other areas of the body, usually within the pelvis. Like normal endometrium, this tissue also responds to hormones secreted by the ovary and is built up and shed off the same way. However unlike the normally sited endometrium, this "internal menses" has no way to get out of the body.
Over time, this process can lead to the formation of 'chocolate' cysts (brownish fliud-filled sacs) in the ovaries or scar tissue and nodules (bumps) around and on the surface of the pelvic organs. Also, sometimes the internal bleeding from the endometriosis can cause the organs in the pelvis - the urinary bladder, uterus, ovaries, tubes, and the intestines to stick together (adhesions).
Sometimes, the endometrial tissue can grow in the muscle layer of the wall of the womb. This can result in thickening of the wall of the womb. This condition is called adenomyosis.
Endometrial deposits can also be found, in or on the bowel and bladder or at sites remote from the pelvis like operation scars and in the lungs.
Endometriosis is not cancer.
Why does it occur?
The cause is unknown but several theories have been put forward.
The most widely accepted theory is 'retrograde menstruation'. According to this theory, during menses, some of the menstrual blood flows backwards into the pelvis through the fallopian tubes. This menstrual fluid has some endometrial cells which implant on the reproductive organs or other areas in the pelvis. These implanted cells cause endometriosis.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include :
Painful and or heavy periods
Painful intercourse
Infertility
Other associated symptoms may be: chronic pelvis pain, not related to menses, pre-menstrual spotting.
Bowel and bladder symptoms
Pain before, during or after opening bowels
Bleeding from the bowel especially during menses
Pain during, before or after passing urine
Symptoms of an irritable bowel - diarrhea, constipation, colic
Majority of women with the condition will experience some of these symptoms. However, some women may have no symptoms at all and maybe discovered incidentally.
The severity of endometriosis does not always correspond to the severity of symptoms.
How common is Endometriosis?
It is difficult to have an accurate number. However it is a common condition estimated to affect 20 - 30% of women of the reproductive age group.
Who does it affect?
Endometriosis can occur at any time from puberty until the menopause. It is extremely rare, but not unknown for it to be first diagnosed after the menopause.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Ultrasound scans, blood tests and internal examinations cannot conclusively diagnose endometriosis. The only way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy. This is an operation in which a telescope (a laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut in the belly button. This allows the surgeon to see the pelvic organs and identify any endometriotic deposits and cysts.
Treatments
Unfortunately, as yet there is no cure for the condition. However there are certain medical therapies or surgery which can help.
The type of treatment used depends on the age of the patient, her desire for future childbearing and the severity of her symptoms.
Hormonal Treatments
Medical treatment can be tried for symptom relief. This involves giving drugs to create a reversible pseudo-pregnancy or pseudo-menopause state which can stop ovulation and hence allow the endometrial tissue to regress and die.
Various drugs used include :
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
(Side effects include bloatedness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain)
Testosterone derivatives eg. Danazol, Gestrinone
(Side effects include acne, change in the voice, increased hair over the body)
Progestogens eg Provera, Depo-Provera
(Side effects include bloatedness, weight gain, mood changes, irregular bleeding, and delayed return of fertility esp. with Depo-Provera)
GnRH analogues - create a pseudo-menopause state. This group of drugs is given in the form of injections or nose sprays and is usually used only for short durations eg. 6 months. Side effects include menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, vaginal dryness and reversible bone loss.
Surgery
Conservative surgery aims to remove and destroy the endometriotic nodules and/or cysts. This is usually done by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) or rarely by an open operation - a laparotomy.
Removal of the uterus (Hysterectomy) and the ovaries may be necessary to cure women with severe endometriosis and those who have completed child-bearing.
