Endometrium tissue lines the uterus. When that tissue grows in other parts of the body, it is called endometriosis. This endometrium tissue that grows outside of the uterus is called an implant. In cases of endometriosis, the implant will grow on the bowel, the bladder, the rectum, outside of the uterus, the ovaries, or the lining of the pelvis.
Endometriosis is a painful disease that affects approximately 5.5 million women in North America, negatively influencing the quality of life and for some women fertility. Today there are solutions for those that suffer from endometriosis. This post will focus on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for endometriosis.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Symptoms include:
- Painful cramps or periods
- Heavy periods
- Chronic pelvic pain (which includes lower back and pelvic pain)
- Intestinal pain
- Pain during or after sex
- Infertility
Treatments for Endometriosis
Treatment for endometriosis is contingent on each specific case. Some of the treatment methods include: pain medication, hormone therapy and surgery.
Pain Medication
Pain medication can be prescribed. These pain medications are meant to relieve the cramping and the pain and some medications will create a pseudo pregnancy.
Hormone Therapy
Projesterone pills or injections are some of the hormone therapies that can be administered. Some of their side effects such as weight gain, blood spotting and depression will deter people from taking that route.
Surgery
Projesterone pills or injections are some of the hormone therapies that can be administered. Some of their side effects such as weight gain, blood spotting and depression will deter people from taking that route.
Fertility
About 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile, making it one of the top three causes for female infertility. However, endometriosis related infertility is often treated successfully using hormones and surgery.