Endometriosis
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the development of the uterine’s inner lining tissue outside the uterus. This condition affects approximately 10% of women and girls globally. It is a chronic disease that causes severe pain and can start at a female’s first menstural period and last until menopause. There is currently no known cure for endometriosis and treatment is generally aimed at controlling symptoms.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
- Painful menstrual periods
- Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis
- Pain during or after sex
- Painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods
- Infertility
- Might experience diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods
- Depression or anxiety
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown. The most popular theory is that during menstruation, the menstrual tissue passes backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis where it attaches and grows. There are several other theories and there is ongoing research to find a cause for this condition.
Endometriosis does seem to run in families, so you will be more likely to have it if your mother or another close relative in your family has had it.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be made by:
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is currently the only way to diagnose endometriosis correctly. Laparoscopy is an operation performed by Dr Shammas under a general anaesthetic, in which a thin telescopic tube with a light (a laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen through a cut in the belly button. It allows Dr Shammas to see if there is any endometrial tissue within the pelvis.
However -there is a move towards more diagnoses being made without surgery, and treatment does not have to depend on surgery to proceed.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can help make a reliable diagnosis in many, but not all, cases. However, there is a high amount of skill involved in this type of ultrasound, so it is important to have this examination performed by a medical specialist such as Dr Shammas. Ultrasound may be able to show if you have endometriosis cysts (endometriomas) on the ovaries or nodules of deep endometriosis, but not always. Ultrasound cannot detect superficial (surface) endometriosis. Dr Shammas will be able to discuss these details and the best option for your diagnosis and treatment at your consultation.
How is endometriosis managed and treated?
- Laparoscopy. This is minimaly invasive surgery performed by Dr Shammas to remove endometrial tissue as described in detail above.
- Laparotomy. This is a surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity.
- Hysterectomy.. This is major surgery that involves the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This is a serious option that requires careful consideration as once performed, women are no longer able to become pregnant. Dr Shammas will discuss all aspects of this with patients at their consultation.
There are a number of different medication options such as Analgesia (Ibuprofen, Naproxen).
Hormone supplements can sometimes be an effective treatment for endometriosis in reducing or eliminating the associated pain caused by this condition.
