Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition, affecting up to 1 in 10 women. Endometriosis is when the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. This uterine lining (endometrium) can grow on your ovaries, bowel, and membranes lining your pelvis.

The hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle impact this misplaced tissue, causing the pelvic area to become inflamed and painful. The tissue will continue to grow, thicken, and then break down. Over time, the broken down tissue has nowhere to go and becomes trapped in your pelvis.

This trapped tissue can cause- irritation, scar formation, adhesions, in which tissue binds your pelvic organs together, severe pain during your periods and fertility problems.

Endometriosis has 3 stages or types. It can be any of the following: mild, moderate and severe.

What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?

The symptoms of endometriosis vary. Some women experience mild symptoms, but for others, pain can be severe. The severity of your pain isn’t correlated to the degree or stage of the condition. You may have a mild form of the disease, yet experience agonising pain.

It’s also possible to have severe stage endometriosis and have minimal symptoms.

Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. You may also experience:

  • pain before/during menstruation
  • cramps around menstruation
  • excessive menstrual bleeding
  • bleeding in between menstrual periods
  • infertility
  • pain after sex
  • discomfort during bowel movements
  • lower back pain

How can we help?

Endometriosis can disrupt the lives of those who have it.  

Whilst it has no cure, treatments can greatly reduce its symptoms. Both medical and surgical options are used to help reduce symptoms and manage any potential complications. Endometriosis symptoms can present similarly to the symptoms of other conditions, such as ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treating your pain requires an accurate diagnosis, so we recommend a full medical examination first with Lionel before analysing options for treatment.

Treatment options include:

  • pain medications
  • hormonal therapy
  • hormonal contraceptives
  • danazol
  • laparoscopy (conservative surgery)
  • hysterectomy (last resort surgery)

It’s essential that you get regular gynaecological exams, to keep track of any changes in your symptoms. This is especially essential if you have two or more symptoms of endometriosis. Please contact our rooms for a consultation.

Lionel’s Journal

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