Endometriosis

According to The Endometriosis Association of Ireland one in every ten women suffer from Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue, like the lining of the womb, starts to grow in other places. Endometriosis tissue will go through the same process of thickening and shedding regardless of its positioning in the body. As the cells have no way to leave the body this leads to pain, swelling and sometimes damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing fertility problems.

Endometrial Tissue May Be Found:

• Around the ovaries & Fallopian tube
• On the outside of the womb
• In the area between the rectum and womb
• In the bowel
• On the bladder
• In the vagina
• In scars from previous operations

Symptoms Of Endometriosis

• Pain in your lower tummy or back
• Severe period pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
• Bleeding between periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Potential Causes Of Endometriosis:

• Family history of the condition
• Retrograde menstruation
• Weakened immune system
• Endometrium cells spreading through the body in the bloodstream

Complications Of Endometriosis:

1. Fertility problems are one of the main complications of endometriosis. Surgery can improve fertility by removing endometriosis tissue, but there is no guarantee that this will allow you to get pregnant.
2. The formation of adhesions and ovarian cysts are also associated with the condition. These are 'sticky' areas of endometriosis tissue that can fuse organs together. Endometriomas can occur when the endometriosis tissue is in or near the ovaries becoming very large and painful. These formations can be removed with surgery to relieve pain and discomfort.

Treatments To Ease Symptoms:

• Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Hormone medicines and contraceptives
• Surgery to cut away or laser patches of endometriosis tissue
• An operation to remove part or all the organs affected by endometriosis

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Affecting women of any age there is no known cure for endometriosis. It is a chronic condition that can cause pain, lack of energy, depression, and fertility problems. However, symptoms can be managed, and fertility improved with pain medication, hormone treatment or surgery, so that the condition does not interfere with your daily life.

References
Endometriosis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
11-65-Endometriosis-Sept-19.pdf (mft.nhs.uk)
Endometriosis - Overview - HSE.ie
Home - Endometriosis Association of Ireland