endometriosis

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the commonest conditions in gynaecology, affecting about 15% of women of fertile age (2 million women could therefore be affected in the UK).

Endometriosis is essentially where the lining of the womb (the endometrium) grows outside the womb. The commonest site is in the pelvis. As such, it grows with the female hormones during your menstrual cycle.

There are numerous “causes” of endometriosis because we do not really know! It certainly has a genetic element - ie you granny probably had it.

Some women have a great deal of endometriosis but few symptoms, whereas others have very little visible endometriosis but severe symptoms.

Symptoms can vary from painful periods, through to painful sex, pain when you open your bowels.

Endometriosis is suspected based on the history and examination, but it is diagnosed by laparoscopy (see link).

Treatment.

Treatment is aimed at improving symptoms, and therefore quality of life.

Surgical management involves cutting out the endometriosis (sometimes small deposits are burnt out). After surgery anti-hormones (usually Zoladex injections given once a month) are usually given to reduce the size of small or microscopic deposits. This causes temporary and reversible menopause. It can therefore cause hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. These injections can be given instead of having surgery in certain circumstances.

More information

http://www.endometriosis.org/

http://www.endometriosis-uk.org/

Operations (full list)

Prolapse

Incontinence

Endometriosis