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Endometriosis
It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of American women of childbearing age have endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is endometrial tissue that grows outside of the uterus and implants most commonly on adjacent pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, sigmoid colon, pelvic ligaments, ureters, rectum, or bladder. Due to their responsiveness to hormonal stimulation, these implants of tissue may become inflamed or swollen, or produce scar tissue around the area of endometriosis.
What is the Cause of Endometriosis?
While the cause of endometriosis is still unknown, many theories exist including retrograde menstruation, genetic predisposition, abnormal tissue development, or malfunction of the immune system.
How is Endometriosis Related to Fertility Problems?
Severe endometriosis with extensive scarring and organ damage may affect fertility. It is considered one of the three major causes of female infertility. Mild endometriosis is a common finding among infertile women, yet how this type of endometriosis affects fertility is still not clear.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis vary according to the stage of progression of the disorder.
The most commonly encountered include:
- severe menstrual cramps
- pelvic pain apart from menses
- backache
- painful intercourse
- painful bowel movements
- fatigue
- bloating
- constipation
- menstrual diarrhea
- pain with exercise
- painful pelvic exams
- painful and frequent urination
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of endometriosis is made by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure which shows the location, size and extent of the endometrial implants.
Western treatment of endometriosis:
Drug therapy does not cure endometriosis, but focuses on providing temporary relief from symptoms.
- Oral contraceptives offer a regulated, low-dose combination of estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation.
- Progesterone is usually given in a long-acting form via injection (depo-provera). Progesterone can also prevent ovulation and reduce circulating estrogen levels.
- GNRH analogs (Synarel, Lupron, Zoladex and Danocrine) are drugs that stop hormone production and ovulation
- Pain medications are used to control pain associated with endometriosis
Surgical treatment is often necessary for endometriosis patients. The type of surgery is dependant on the extensiveness of the implants.
Chinese Medicine treatment of endometriosis:
Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbs, diet, and Reproductive Organ Massage have proven effective in lessening symptoms and slowing the progression of endometrial tissue growth. Reproductive Organ Massage is very effective in reducing the abnormal tissue and adhesions that are growing in the pelvic region. |
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