Endometriosis
Introduction
Endometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years; it has been estimated that endometriosis occurs in roughly 6–10% of women. Symptoms may depend on the site
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It has been suggested that endometriotic lesions release factors which are detrimental to gametes or embryos, or, alternatively, endometriosis may more likely develop in women who fail to conceive for other reasons and thus be a secondary phenomenon; for this reason it is preferable to speak of endometriosis-associated infertility.
Other
Other symptoms include constipation and chronic fatigue.
In addition to pain during menstruation, the pain of endometriosis can occur at other times of the month. There can be pain with ovulation, pain associated with adhesions, pain caused by inflammation in the pelvic cavity, pain during bowel movements and urination, during general bodily movement like exercise, pain from standing or walking, and pain with intercourse. But the most desperate pain is usually with menstruation and many women dread having their periods. Pain can also start a week before menses, during and even a week after menses, or it can be constant. There is no known cure for endometriosis.
Current research has demonstrated an association between endometriosis and certain types of cancers, notably some types of ovarian cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and brain cancer. Despite similarities in
Therefore, the scope of information provided is limited to essential information directly related the purpose providing women facts about endometriosis. The facts are brief enough to what the health consumer can reasonably learn in the time allowed. The headings are clearly stated which makes the information provided on this pamphlet easy to follow and promotes learning and interaction among women. This information can aid women to understand about their diagnosis and empower them to make an informed decision. 1,2,2
Endometriosis is a common but often underdiagnosed disease in women during active reproductive years of 25 to 35 years. Endometriosis is an estrogen dependent chronic pelvic disorder that can cause severe pain and adversely affect fertility. Endometriosis is described as the occurrence of endometrial glands and connective tissue called stroma in the extra uterine mucosa located throughout the pelvis (Solnik, 2015). Therefore, as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) accurately diagnoses this disease, this patient population can increase the awareness become educated about endometriosis treatment options.
Endometriosis is a reproductive disease affecting 1%-2% of women in their late 20s to 30s (Ignatavicius, Workman, 2006). This disease causes numerous problems in afflicted women, from pain to infertility. This paper will discuss what
Lupron endometriosis treatment leads to a reduction of estrogen levels which stops endo from growing or slowing down its growth, eventually, fertility is restored. Many women with endometriosis may go through surgery to improve chances of conception. Eventually, if one becomes pregnant and have endometriosis, the pregnancy will be at risk, however with the doctors help one can successfully carry the pregnancy to term and have a safe delivery. Sometimes, pregnancy may improve the signs of endo, although they are most likely to come back after giving birth, one is done with breast feeding or the periods return to
Endometriosis treatment is a subject that has many theories based on a lot of trial and error. The reason there is no clear cut treatment is that no one really knows what causes this disease. Most treatments are used to help control the disease and mitigate the symptoms it causes.
Endometriosis is a painful disorder under which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus starts growing outside the uterus. Endometriosis commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue that linesthe pelvis.
A woman who has a mother or sister with endometriosis is six times more likely to develop endometriosis than the general population. Other possible risk factors include:
This is due to a lack of knowledge among the general public and medical community. Unfortunately, many endometriosis patients are misdiagnosed, often multiple times, leading to unnecessary and inappropriate treatment. Endometriosis isn’t visible on MRI’s, CTs or ultrasounds. Pelvic exams, especially rectovaginal exams, can indicate high suspicion of endometriosis but cannot confirm it.There is no test for endometriosis, meaning patients cannot have their blood, urine, or saliva tested to confirm the disease. The only way to verify endometriosis is to undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy with pathology confirmation of biopsy specimens. There is no cure for endometriosis, and most women undergoing a hysterectomy will still experience pain.” The diagnosis mention are credited to the Endometriosis Foundation of America webpage, founded in 2017 by Padma Lakshmi. You can also visit the website "What Is Endometriosis? Causes, Symptoms and Treatments" to find ways you and your community and family can get
Endometriosis- This condition is only present in women. It occurs when endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterine which sheds each period), grows on the outside of the uterus and is attached to reproductive or abdominal organs. This compromises normal functioning of the fallopian tubes through blockage. Endometrial cells also occasionally secrete substances that may interfere with sperm and egg interaction therefore preventing fertilization.
Typically, unless a woman is having severe cramps or other issues, endometriosis is not something they know is there. It is usually discovered only after symptoms appear and they visit their gynecologist for an
One of the risk factors for endometrial cancer is obesity. These women who are heavier they carry more fat cells than someone who is not obese. Because there has been such a rise in obesity, this now affects children and teens. There seem to be more cases in younger women today. Other risk factors are the use of Tamoxifen. This is a drug that is used to treat breast cancer, and while tamoxifen is for breast cancer it hinders the endometrium. It can cause cancer cells in the lining of the wall to grow, therefore causing endometrium cancer.
More than 40,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with uterine cancer, which is also called endometrial cancer. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston says it’s the fourth most common cancer in women, and the most common cancer of a woman’s reproductive system.
❖ Endometrial Hyperplasia: Many studies have corroborated that the chances of disarranged womb lining along with irregular and chronic menstruation in women affected by PCOS is nearly five times
Endometriosis is a common condition1 recognised by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. This tissue is then found in a variety of sites such as the ovaries, the outside surface of the uterus, the cervix, the abdominal wall, the sigmoid colon and the urinary bladder.2 It is unknown what exactly causes endometriosis but it is thought to occur when some cells from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) travel outside the uterus via the uterine tubes during a period3. Even outside the womb, these cells, will still respond to the presence of hormonal oestrogen each month and with each menstrual cycle the cells will multiply, swell and break down in similar fashion to the endometrial cells inside the uterus.2 As the cells are in the pelvic cavity rather than the uterus, they cannot escape during the period and instead form patches of tissue called
There are a few laboratory tests that prove valuable in diagnosis of endometriosis, though some help in ruling out specific conditions in the differential diagnosis. Routine radiographs are not recommended except when differential diagnosis are in the case. Pelvic ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI are useful in more severe cases with endometrial cyst formation or severe anatomic distortion. Laporoscopy is a procedure of choice, but laparotomy is also a valid method of diagnosis but is usually done when there is another cause of patient pain.