It is estimated that around two million women in the UK suffer from this extremely painful and common condition.
The problem occurs when the cells which normally line your womb, and which thicken up over the course of each month, are found outside the womb. Despite being located in the wrong place, they still go through the monthly thickening-up process, causing pain as a result. This pain may occur before or during your period, when opening your bowels or during sexual intercourse. Endometriosis may also make it difficult for you to become pregnant.
After an internal examination and ultrasound scan as part of the initial examinations, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) operation is commonly recommended, both for the diagnosis and the treatment of endometriosis.
Normally, the cells that line the womb thicken up over the course of the month and ultimately come away as your menstrual period. Endometriosis occurs when these cells are found outside of the womb, typically on the lining of the pelvis, or in association with the ovaries, tubes and sometimes even the bowel.
When this occurs, the little implants of womb lining cells continue to undergo monthly changes even though they are located in the wrong place. Every month these deposits become thicker and become painful, which occurs in the week or so before your period and during the period itself. The pain is typically relieved after your period is over. Each time these small deposits flare up and cause pain, the body undergoes a process of repair following that inflammation and this can lead to problems with internal scarring (adhesions).
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are painful periods, pain before the periods and pain with sexual intercourse. Some patients will complain of difficulties falling pregnant and some patients will complain of pain when they open their bowels, particularly before and during the time of menstruation. Sometimes there is a family history of endometriosis problems, but not always. For some patients, symptoms can improve when taking the oral contraceptive pill or during pregnancy. Symptoms can begin in teenage years, but are most commonly described in the 20s and 30s.
Many women suffer with endometriosis pain without the diagnosis ever having been made. If your symptoms fit into this pattern then a gynaecological referral would be appropriate so that suitable tests and treatment can be considered. You will require a physical examination, including an internal examination, and almost certainly an ultrasound scan. The final diagnosis is made at laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure where a 1cm diameter telescope is passed through the umbilicus (tummy button). The telescope carries a light into the abdomen and pelvis and is attached to a digital camera which enables us to see clear images of the uterus, tubes, ovaries and pelvic lining on a TV screen.
Click here to read about the treatment(s) involved in treating Endometriosis. If you would like more information or wish to make an appointment regarding endometriosis, please get in contact.
