The New View Of Endometriosis
Endometriosis (endo) means normal
tissue in an abnormal location. It
occurs when tissue like that which
lines the inside of the uterus, (the
endometrium) grows in parts of the body
where it doesn't normally grow such as
the bottom of the pelvis, uterine
ligaments, tubes, ovaries, bowel, and
bladder.
For five to ten million women in the
U.S, and half a million women in
Canada, (teenage years right through to
menopause) it is a frustrating,
chronic, painful and unpredictable
disease, which is challenging to treat.
Symptoms
- Severe abdominal, pelvic or back pain.
- Increasingly painful periods and
painful sex.
- Many types and timing of pain, which
can occur at any time of cycle.
- Location and depth significant; small
implant on uterine ligaments can be
very painful and widespread involvement
of the ovaries painless.
- Up to 75 percent of women with endo
have been dismissed by their doctors as
neurotic.
- Infertility common, but not proven to
be caused by endo. except when organs
distorted out of shape.
- Common symptoms reported: 68 percent
painful periods; 52 percent bowel
changes; infertility 40 percent;
painful sex 32 percent and back/thigh
pain 20 percent.
Diagnosing Endo
- Tentative diagnosis through pelvic exam
if there are tender or lumpy ligaments
or ovarian cysts.
- Laparoscope (a slender light-containing
telescope to look at the pelvic organs)
necessary for definitive diagnosis.
- All suspicious areas must be biopsied
and sent to the lab.
- Usual blue or black spots or dark brown
cysts not always seen.
- Doctor must search for atypical
implants, which are clear, white, red
and yellow.
Medical Treatment
- Can help pain but not infertility.
- Pain killers.
- Hormones like progesterone or danazol.
- The newest hormone blockers cause
instant menopause, with many side
effects.
Surgical Treatment
- Endo tissue removed with scissors,
laser, or electric cautery.
- Can help pain or infertility caused by
organ distortion.
Alternative Treatments
- Natural progesterone pills,
suppositories or cream.
- Series of at least 12 acupuncture
treatments.
- Nutritional therapies, herbs and
homeopathy supervised by naturopath.
- Treat chronic yeast infection if
present.
For info and support call the
Endometriosis Association at
1-800-426-2END.
