Endometriosis Overview
Endometriosis is a female medical condition, in which body tissue very similar to the lining of the uterus is found in other areas of the body. Sometimes this tissue can develop on the outside of the uterus, but it's not uncommon for it to develop in other areas too such as on the ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Sometimes this uterus lining type tissue will even develop on old surgical scars, the appendix, colon, bladder, intestines, and rectum.
Endometriosis is the cause of severe pelvic pain for women, particularly during their period, and it often results in infertility. In fact, estimates say that about 30-40% of women with endometriosis are unable to conceive children.
The cause of this disease is not yet fully known, but many believe it's related to hormonal changes or imbalances in the woman's body. There is also evidence of endometriosis being hereditary too. A woman who's mother or sister has the disease is six times more likely to have problems with it as well.
Treatments often revolve around managing and reducing the symptoms, or using drugs which change the body's hormone levels. Women who would like to get pregnant may elect to try surgical options though. One such surgical procedure is known as laparoscopic surgery, and this is used to both diagnose and treat endometriosis at the same time.
Some women are told that a hysterectomy is the only way to completely cure the problem, but unfortunately endometriosis can return even after this procedure. Many women however, have had success with managing this condition through nutritional changes, and herbal or other alternative remedies.
Endometriosis usually causes severe pain in women who have the disease. Not all women experience pain though, and the amount of pain doesn't usually indicate the severity of your endometriosis tissue growth.
Most women with this disease experience common problems though. These include severe menstrual pain in the lower back and pelvis, diarrhea, constipation or bloating particularly during their period, painful intercourse, and very heavy or long menstrual flows.
The condition gets worse over time too. Because the tissue growth is quite similar to that found in the lining of the uterus, when a woman's monthly cycle starts, that tissue grows and fills with blood just like the tissue inside the uterus does. When an egg is not fertilized though, the uterine tissue is then released in the form of menstrual blood flow. Since Endometriosis tissue has no release outlet, it simply continues to grow as time goes on.
As the tissue grows, it can sometimes cover the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and this is why some women are unable to get pregnant when they have endometriosis.
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