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. 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 often elect
to try surgical options. 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 endometriosis can return even after this procedure.
Fortunately,
many women 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 similar symptoms. 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.
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, 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.
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