Womens Health Blog

This is a very common condition, defined as the presence of cells from the lining of the uterus at other sites in the pelvis, The principal route of spread is via the fallopian tubes, with implantation of deposits on the ovaries, bowel, bladder, or in the pelvis. The deposits respond to the cyclical changes of the ovarian hormones, so bleeding occurs at the site of implantation when you are menstruating, but the blood cannot escape. The repeated bleeding can cause menstrual pain and painful sexual intercourse as well as generalized pelvic tenderness. Adhesions may form, interfering with ovulation and possibly conception.

Should I See The Doctor?

If you are in your late twenties and have been unable to conceive, or if you suffer very painful menstrual periods or pain deep in your pelvis during intercourse, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. If you have never suffered from dysmenorrhea (painful periods) before, it is very unlikely to develop in your late twenties without a major reason.

What Might The Doctor Do?

• Medical treatment of endometriosis is usually only offered to women who are not trying to conceive; it has not been shown to improve fertility rates.
• The medicines used to treat endometriosis suppress ovulation and menstruation, thus permitting the disease to regress. They include the continuous use of high dose estrogens and/or progestogens or medication to suppress ovarian-stimulating hormones. All these treatments are contraceptive.
• For women wishing to conceive, surgical treatment, usually laparoscopic, includes diathermy (electrical treatment with intense heat) or laser vaporization of the endometriosis deposits, and adhesiolysis (removal of adhesions).
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) should be offered promptly to women trying to conceive who have dense, widespread adhesions that are not amenable to, or recur after, surgery.
• Radical surgery with removal of the uterus and ovaries may be necessary in older patients with advanced disease.

What Can I Do?

Join a self-help group where you can share your experience with other women and discuss the latest treatments and side-effects of the hormone treatment.

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