What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, most often found on the ovaries, pelvic sidewall, and fallopian tubes, but can be present in many other areas in the abdominal cavity. The tissue bleeds, but the blood has nowhere to go, forming scar tissue and causing pain. Endometriosis most often affects women during childbearing age.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful menstruation
- Painful urination
- Low back pain
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain during ovulation
- Diarrhea, constipation and/or bloating associated with menstruation
- Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding
- Fatigue
- Infertility
Diagnosing endometriosis is normally done by a laparoscopic biopsy; a surgical procedure.
Treatments for endometriosis include:
- Medication
- Hormonal treatments
- Nutritional therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Surgery