by A.L.Smith

Created on: June 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 19, 2009

Endometriosis is a condition with life altering affects. Living with the pain and discomfort of this condition is all too well know. It is estimated that it affects between 5 and 10 percent of women, mostly during the child bearing years. Endometriosis is most prevalent in women ages 25 to 35 but has often been seen in young women, and those in menopause.

Endometriosis occurs when fragments of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) travel up the fallopian tubes. These fragments can then enter the pelvic cavity, where they can grow on any organ within the pelvis. The organs most commonly affected are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, intestines, and sometimes the bladder. Less commonly Endometriosis can spread to the cervix and vagina or the site of an old surgical incision in the abdomen. The relocated endometrium will still respond to the menstrual cycle each month. The trapped blood causes the formation of cysts. These cysts grow and swell causing pain and discomfort. Cysts inside the Ovaries can sometimes rupture, causing very intense pain and vaginal bleeding. Most suffers of Endometriosis display a wide range of symptoms. The most prevalent are:

Severe abdominal pain

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Painful intercourse

Diarrhea or constipation

Painful bowel movements

Blood in the urine

Rare symptoms of Endometriosis include chest pain or coughing blood due to Endometriosis in the lungs or headache and seizures caused by Endometriosis in the brain. It can cause infertility, although there is no know reason. An estimated 20 to 50 percent of women suffering from this condition are infertile. Although Endometriosis is benign (non- cancerous), women with Endometriosis have a mildly increased risk for development of certain types of cancer. The use of oral contraceptives appears to significantly reduce this risk.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some cases require no treatment at all, while others can be controlled by your physician with medication. These medications include GnRH analogs (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs), oral contraceptives, and progestins. Surgically removing the cysts may be necessary in some cases when pain is severe and the cysts are causes other complications. Hysterectomy is also an option, depending on the age and circumstance of the patient. Hysterectomy and menopause are not a guarantee to relieve symptoms, 40 percent of women still suffer from Endometriosis after surgery.

There are many online support and chat forums where you may be able to learn more about endometriosis. Of the over 1 million women suffering from this condition, there are a number of them willing to offer advice or help you cope.

http://www.myendosisters.org

http://www.endozone.org

EW56Bhttp://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/centres/pelvi c_health/endometriosis/index.htmlWH6PDZ6EFP

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