Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium - grows outside the uterus. This can cause painful periods, persistent pain in the pelvic area, infertility and other symptoms. The symptoms range from mild to severe. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown but it is thought that some cells from the womb get outside the uterus into the pelvic area. These tend to get there by spilling backwards along the Fallopian tubes when a woman has a period. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix and blabber, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis. Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive years.

The symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Pelvic pain associated with menstrual period
• Pain with intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Occasional heavy periods or bleeding between periods
• Infertility
• Other symptoms include fatigue, constipation, bloating or nausea during menstrual periods

This condition is sometimes mistaken for other conditions that also cause pelvic pain such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts.

Here are a few measures that you can try at home along with your treatment to relieve discomfort:

• Getting regular exercise may help improve symptoms
• A heating pad and warm pads can also help relax pelvic muscles, cramping and pain

Contact your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that may indicate endometriosis. An early diagnosis may help avoid unnecessary complications and pain!