Endometriosis is a complex, long-term (or “chronic”) condition. For women and their doctors, it is often a frustrating and mysterious illness to deal with since its symptoms vary dramatically from one woman to another.
Endometriosis is fairly common. Anywhere between 5% and 20% of women of childbearing age are affected by this condition. Although it is most common in women in their 30s and 40s, endometriosis can also affect younger women and even teenagers from the onset of menses.
With so much variation in symptoms, endometriosis is
difficult to detect and often underdiagnosed. It can also remain asymptomatic. In some cases, women may experience
menstrual pain, also called dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Pain may also radiate to the lower back. Pains often get worse as the disease progresses. Women with endometriosis can also develop ovarian cysts and experience fertility problem. In fact, 30% to 40% of women who suffer with endometriosis are infertile.
A preliminary diagnosis of endometriosis can be established by reviewing a patient’s history, performing a pelvic ultrasound or by an MRI. However, a definitive diagnosis can only be determined by a laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Although used frequently, laparoscopy is not necessary in all cases.
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What is it? The endometrial lining of the uterus is usually removed from the body, in part, during menstruation. Endometriosis occurs when small fragment of the lining implant in parts of the body outside the uterus causing lesions. The majority of lesions occur in the ovaries, but they can also form in the fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus and the area between the uterus and the rectum. On more rarer occasions, lesions can form in the bladder, bowel, kidney, rectum and even the lungs. Who is at risk? Any woman of childbearing age can develop endometriosis. Women with a close family history of endometriosis are up to six times more likely to develop the condition. While there is no cure for endometriosis, the symptoms ease temporarily during pregnancy and typically disappear during menopause. Treatments Treatments for the symptoms of endometriosis fall into three categories: managing pelvic pain, treating infertility and removing ovarian cysts. To date, no treatment has been show superior to another in the management of pelvic pain. For infertility either conservative surgery is performed or patient are treated directly with advanced reproductive therapies to enhance fertility |
without directly treating endometriosis. In most cases, when ovarian cysts need to be treated, surgery is performed. The path of treatment for endometriosis will be different for each patient, however there are some common options:
These treatment options are often combined to ensure the patient has the best possible outcome. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. A combination of factors will guide the course of treatment, including: age, the severity of pain and the patient’s desire to become pregnant. It is important to talk to your doctor as soon as symptoms appear. The earlier endometriosis is diagnosed, the more treatment options remain open to you. |
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(the founder of Gynesys)
Both Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Faez Faruqi practises and teaches Gynaecology and Obstetrics at St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal (affiliated with McGill University). He also heads the Gynaecology and Fertility Centre Gynesys that was launched in 2004 with great success.
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