Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when one layer of the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) starts growing on other pelvic organs. Approximately 10% of women worldwide have this condition. It can occur at any age but diagnosis can take a long time as the symptoms are wide-ranging and similar to many other conditions. 20-40% of cases are diagnosed during infertility investigations.

When endometrial tissue grows in other places (like ovaries, fallopian tubes, the cervix, bladder and intestines) it will behave the same way as endometrial tissue in the uterus, meaning it will grow throughout the menstrual cycle and bleed when a woman has a period. It can be extremely painful and cause difficulty in getting pregnant.

There are a huge number of symptoms including;

• Pelvic pain, usually worse during your period
• Severe period pain that prevents you from doing your normal activities
• Very heavy periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain when going to the toilet
• Feeling sick, having constipation or diarrhoea
• Difficulty getting pregnant

The only way to diagnose endometriosis is to have a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy where the surgeon will examine inside your tummy and look for patches of endometriosis.

Treatment depends on the stage of the condition, symptoms and age of patient. Usually, a combination of medication and surgery is suggested. Regular prophylactic examination and openly available information enables early diagnosis, which greatly improves the chance of successful treatment.

Since endometriosis can cause problems with conception, women who have been diagnosed with it are advised not to delay pregnancy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding change a woman’s hormonal balance, during which the amount of oestrogen drops and the condition doesn’t progress. On the other hand, women with endometriosis have a more difficult pregnancy and birth, as well as a higher risk of miscarriage. Moreover, endometriosis reduces fertility indirectly – women with this condition tend to avoid having sexual intercourse because it is usually painful.