Endometriosis is a common health problem for women. Researchers suggest that at least 11 percent of women, more than 6.5 million in the U.S., suffer from endometriosis. It can happen to any female of menstrual age, but is most common in women in their 30s and 40s.
Endometriosis is a painful disorder where tissue similar to that found in the uterus grows outside the uterus. It thickens and breaks down, bleeding with each menstrual cycle. But because it has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped and irritates surrounding tissues which then can develop scarring and adhesions. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form.
Many Women Suffer From Endometriosis
Women are most likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis if
- There is a family member who has had it
- They have not yet had children
- They started their period at an early age
- There has been an underlying issue that has blocked normal menstrual flow
- They have menstrual periods lasting in excess of seven days
- Their menstrual cycle is less than 27 days
- They have a low body mass index (BMI)
- They have gone through menopause at a late age
- They’ve had previous reproductive abnormalities
What Causes Endometriosis?
We still don’t know for sure what the actual cause of endometriosis is. Researchers have studied various possibilities. A consistent theory has been “retrograde menstruation”. This is when menstrual blood backs into the body and the menstrual debris has nowhere to exit, leaving it to enter other parts of the body.
Some research has linked it to hereditary factors as well as immunity problems and hormones. Because some endometrial tissues have been found in abdominal scars after surgeries, it has also been suggested that endometrial tissue can be inadvertently moved during a surgical procedure such as a C-section.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Depending on the individual, that pain can take different forms. Endometrial pain can run the spectrum from pain during menstruation and sex to chronic pain. It can also be felt in the intestinal area and cause painful bowel movements, urination, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea. Bleeding and spotting may also happen between periods. If left unchecked, endometriosis can lead to infertility.
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Your doctor may suggest that you get an imaging test in the way of an ultrasound or MRI to determine a full diagnosis. After a diagnosis, he or she can then determine the appropriate treatment. These can include hormone therapy such as GnRH agonists or a hormonal birth control.
Laparoscopic surgery is one of the most common procedures used to diagnose and remove endometriosis. This surgery requires only one or two small incisions. If tissue needs to be removed, your surgeon will either remove it with an excision process, a laser or electric current called electrocautery.
If your doctor has prescribed an imaging test to diagnose your pain to see if it is potentially due to endometriosis, you are in good hands with Vital Imaging. Our caring staff is here to support you and answer any of your questions. Call us at (305) 596-9992 to schedule an appointment today.