Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus, the Endometrium, alternatively grows on the outside of the womb. This causes much pain in the pelvic area and may cause Fibrous scar tissue to form on the actual uterus itself. Many women who have this, experience much pain during menstruation, and in some cases can experience reduced fertility or even infertility. Biologically, the Endometrium naturally responds to the two important female sex hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone, however, women with endometriosis have a number of undirected endometrial cells that also respond to these specific hormones. During the process of ovulation, these endometrial cells and the Endometrium thicken, however as the Endometrium leaves the body through menstruation, the endometrial cells do not and instead bleed, cause inflammation and finally heal; this is how scar tissue is formed.
Causes and Symptoms:
The cause of Endometriosis remains unknown. Although there is no specific cause as of yet, there are a number of suspected risk factors, these include:
The various Symptoms occur specifically during menstruation, they are:
Treatment and Prevention:
Treatment for Endometriosis, however minimal, can be highly effective. Medication, surgery or natural therapies can be used to assist in the management of pain. Simple visits to a general practitioner (GP) or gynecologist can assist for mild cases of Endometriosis, however, surgery to remove scar tissue, hormone treatments, hysterectomies and other various surgeries can remove the pain completely. Natural therapies such as, Yoga, Herbal/traditional Chinese medicine, massages and Homeopathy will also help in more mild cases of the condition.
There is no way to prevent Endometriosis, however risk factors can be reduced. Suggestions include, exercising regularly (specifically aerobic), avoiding excessive use of drugs, alcohol and caffeine, pregnancy/childbirth and use of the Contraceptive Pill.
Causes and Symptoms:
The cause of Endometriosis remains unknown. Although there is no specific cause as of yet, there are a number of suspected risk factors, these include:
- Family history/Hereditary
- Menstrual cycle disturbances (longer/shorter periods, heavy & painful periods, etc.)
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Exposure to toxins (environmental pollution)
The various Symptoms occur specifically during menstruation, they are:
- Painful periods (menstruation)
- Pelvic and Ovulation pain
- Reduced fertility
- Pain during sexual activity
- Nausea
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Treatment and Prevention:
Treatment for Endometriosis, however minimal, can be highly effective. Medication, surgery or natural therapies can be used to assist in the management of pain. Simple visits to a general practitioner (GP) or gynecologist can assist for mild cases of Endometriosis, however, surgery to remove scar tissue, hormone treatments, hysterectomies and other various surgeries can remove the pain completely. Natural therapies such as, Yoga, Herbal/traditional Chinese medicine, massages and Homeopathy will also help in more mild cases of the condition.
There is no way to prevent Endometriosis, however risk factors can be reduced. Suggestions include, exercising regularly (specifically aerobic), avoiding excessive use of drugs, alcohol and caffeine, pregnancy/childbirth and use of the Contraceptive Pill.