Endometriosis What is endometriosis and how is it treated?

Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects many women worldwide. Tissue that is similar to the uterus' lining is found in other parts of the body when it should only be found in the uterus. The lesions of endometriosis are often found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and on the side wall of the pelvis. Lesions are occasionally found in the rectal-vaginal septum and uterosacraral ligaments. Sometimes endometriosis is found in caesarean section scars, laparoscopy scars, bladder, appendix, rectum, intestines and on the colon. Although it is rare, endometriosis has been found inside of the vagina, inside of the bladder, on the skin, lungs, spines and brain. Endometriosis can cause scar tissue that can make a woman's internal anatomy distorted. In the later stages of the disease, a condition known as "frozen pelvis" can occur-which means that the internal organs are fused together.

Women that have endometriosis often complain of pelvic pain. Pain in the pelvic area is one of the most common symptoms and it usually is associated with her menstrual cycle. Sometimes the pain is so severe and intense that it affects their daily lives. During a painful period, some women have to miss school or work. Pain can be felt at any time of menstruation, ovulation, during sexual intercourse and even while urinating. Some women feel the pain in the pelvic region, in the bowel region or in their lower back. Women with endometriosis may also suffer from diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, heavy bleeding and fatigue. One well-known complication from endometriosis is infertility. Although not all women who suffer from the complication are infertile, about 35% are.

Diagnosing endometriosis takes time and is often a challenge. There are no simple tests to diagnose the condition. Performing a laparascopy and taking biopsies of the tissue is the only sure way of diagnosing endometriosis. It is an expensive and invasive procedure that should only be done by a surgeon that is well-educated and experienced in diagnosing endometriosis. If you prefer not to have surgery to diagnose the condition, an experienced gynaecologist can recognize symptoms that are common with endometriosis. Other than a general history and physical, your doctor may perform ultrasounds, MRI scans and vaginal exams. None of these tests can 100% confirm or rule out endometriosis. Unfortunately, the only way of finding out for sure is to have an invasive surgery.

Unfortunately, the cause of endometriosis is not yet known and treatment that fully cures the disease is unavailable. There are certain risk factors that are associated with endometriosis and women who have never had children are more likely to experience the condition. A woman can be at an increased risk of developing endometriosis because of a medical problem that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow. There is no set race or age that endometriosis affects the most. However, the condition does generally develop several years after the onset of menstruation first begins and symptoms generally diminish with menopause or pregnancy. Treatment is based on a woman's individual needs and the doctor will help her decide which plan to choose based on her age, symptoms and future fertility wishes.



Comments: Endometriosis

Comments 1 to 24 of about 45.
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buddysmom - 1 days ago.
I am another succes story of someone that has endometriosis. I was diagnosed a few years ago and also have Interstitial cystitis which affects your bladder. I have had 2 laprascopies and was on the drug Lupron for 2-3 years. I was advised to try and have children at a younger age instead of waiting. I stopped the Lupron injections and never even got a period, I became pregnant with that first egg in years. Lupron is a somewhat controversial drug but I think it really helped me to get pregnant later on. It puts you in menopause which comes with its own symptoms but it temporarily stops the growth of any endometriosis. I am hoping that this pregnancy will help me out in the long run and the endometriosis will not come back. Me and my doctors were very concerned I would not be able to become pregnant. I am now 30 weeks pregnant and have not had any complications in my pregnancy. Keep hope. Good luck to all.

Ljay - 4 days ago.
I just wanted to write a note on here for everyone feeling down about endometriosis. I was diagnosed at 15 and had 3 laparoscopys to remove the disease, my last op being in 2003. I was always told that getting pregnant might be difficult and when me and my hubby decided to start trying when I was 24 I really thought that it would take a while....well the 2nd month of trying we were successful and I'm now 3 weeks off having my little boy. I was so shocked that I conceived instantly and when I had my scan they told me that one of my ovaries was blocked by a cyst caused by the endometriosis, however it still worked. So if theres anyone out there thinking that it could take years to concieve, please stay positive. I know that for some it takes a while but its not always the case. I'm thinking of everyone here thats trying to concieve and wish you all the luck in the world.

shilokimmie - 4 days ago.
if caught early enough kids are a good chance. My first one took for ever so either it was this disease or my x had bad sperm, but i'm on my fourth one (3rd with new hubby)... Don't give up hope anyone.

JessLuvKev - 15 days ago.
I think I have this disease.. I know my mother has it... or atleast had she had a hysterectomy (sp?) couple of years ago.. I have pretty bad cramps and when i use the restroom when af is here it hurts soo bad from my abdomen to my anus.

kristin1369 - 32 days ago.
My mother lost a baby at 4 months and then tired for 7 years...and along came me :) And then my brother 2 years later...so dont loose hope. It happens it may just take time I got lucky. My mother worried for years that I would have the same problem because both her and her mom (my Grandma) had it very bad. Grandma lost her first one but it was due to sickness caused by the hospital (not endo) and then she had my Uncle Joey and 2 girls and another boy.

Baby3OnWay - 33 days ago.
I ALSO would like to share my store to give woman out there some hope! From the age of 12 (2 years BEFORE i got my period) I had been going through a lot with pain, my Dr suggested that I go in for test after test. They checked blood, bones for growth, had me drinking this and that scans.... pretty much everything under the moon. After a while they just figured it was a digestive problem and just threw me on some type of med ( too long ago to remember) THEN when i was in high school 2001/2002 I had been missing a lot of school due to pain and discomfort, and even vomiting. By this time i started digging into my own research and decided to talk to my dr about getting an ultrasound to check for an ovarian cyst. LOW AND BEHOLD there was a cyst the size of a golf ball on my left ovary. For months they watched it, all the while still in loads of pain and discomfort. Finally I had enough I told them I wanted it removed. A few weeks before my laproscopy (sp?) I ended up in emerg with sever pain! they tried telling me it was constipation even though they had my records... then my Dr called 4 days later to get me in for my surgery early. During the surgery they had noticed that the cyst was gone and figured my visit to emerg was when the cyst had burst. (apparently this can cause more problems and possibly coma) They did a little searching and when I woke up they told me that I had endo. Everyone in my family was so upset and I had no idea what it was. When I researched it I was devested and didn't know what to do... still I continued with birth control. 2005, while on depo, I found out I was pregnant... endo and on BC..AMAZING RIGHT? then again in 2007 I got pregnant on the patch... um OK..... endo and birth control did not stop me from having children and thats when I believed that GOD does have a plan for us all and that he send us our angels in his own ways whether we plan or do not plan. Here I am again 15+weeks prego with my third child (youngest just 5 months old now) and I have to say SHOCKED! so ladies I know times are tough, life is tough but if you just hang in there and remember GOD has a plan for everybody. Best of luck and wishes to you all!!!

angellee - 44 days ago.
EI your story sounds good. But I have endo and I have had it for 4 years and I have been trying to get pregnant for 2 and half years with my husband. Nothing has happened. I have poured my heart and soul out to god every day for 2 years and nothing. I am still trying hard to keep the hope. I am only 24 so it is hard to deal with this.

El - 46 days ago.
I have had endo for 10 years and have tried to get pregnant for almost two years. I have had so many let downs, I have shed so many tears, I have seen friends that have kids have more kids, I have seen people that mistreat there kids and don't deserve kids get them, I've had surgeries, I have even had false positives. Then a few weeks ago I sincerely opened my heart completely and I prayed to God and asked him to please bless me and my life with a baby. I found out I was pregnant last week. It just goes to show if you turn to God and put your faith in him he will bless in ways you never thought possible all this stressing I did and all I had to do is leave it in his hands. Claim it, believe it, and it will happen trust me. God loves you that much why would he want you to be happy and have children. Peace, love, blessings, and baby dust to everyone!

brittany1621 - 66 days ago.
aussiefam-I have endometriosis and from weeks 5-7 I was in severe pain. At first I thought maybe the pregnancy was making my endometriosis flare up. When I went to a specialist they told me that my endometriosis would actually be better because being pregnant supresses endometriosis. It was hard for me to believe because I was down on my knees screaming in pain (like I did for endo). But the pain went away (and the doctors blamed my stretching body for it). Hope she is feeling better soon. I am in week 23 and doing great, I am sure she will to!

aussiefam - 81 days ago.
Hello all. My name is Greg and my wife has been suffering with endo since she was 16, and has had 7 laparoscopy and curets. She is 5 weeks pregnant and in sever cramping pain.I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how long it lasted for?

ClaudiaR - 85 days ago.
Had Stage 3 Endo and had a laparoscopy to burn it out in 2005 - 6 holes in my abdomen! It was very painfull, and I decided I was not going to do that again. Have tried various natural therapies. Mid last year I started seeing a homeopath who does acupuncture, laser and light therapy, and a diet of no wheat no sugar. Endo symptoms subsided and 6 months later I'm pregnant!!! Am now 13 weeks and going strong :-). We tried 4+yrs to get pregnant, so I'm very grateful & feel blessed. It makes me realise that it really is not easy to fall pregnant and when I hear others who are not happy about it, it really makes me sad. It is such a gift that can't be taken for granted.xxx

Strawberry - 89 days ago.
I had endometriosis since I was 16, and I am now 25. At that time I didn't know what was the problem and it seemed that none of the doctors I went to knew either. It was diagnosed in the later part of 2006, when I went to the ER with really bad pains. The doctor put me on Depo Lupron for six months, to see if that would help and it did. I was told that if I wanted to get pregnant that the first year after treatment was the best time to try. So, we tried but no luck, then we split up. I just thought that maybe my endo was a serious case and it was not meant for me to have children. Especially after numerous attempts in the past and those after treatment. Just when I had given up, I find out that I'm pregnant! Thank You to all those that shared personal issues about their endo, cause it allowed me to feel comfortable to talk about my own issue, which was long over due. To all those who are trying, I wish you the best of luck!

marygn - 95 days ago.
i have endometriosis, ive had it since 2003, and have had numerous surgeries for it, 3 same day ans 2 major(laporotomies).. i was one where it took over my like EVERY month,(i was on demoral n vicatin monthly n still had HORRIBLE pain) i also was on the lupron injections for months at a time, but then when my period came back so did the endo n it came with avengence!!!!! mine was so bad at one point, i was in so much pain i couldnt stand up straight,so they did a cat scan n found my organs in places where they really werent suppossed to be! all my organs were being moved n pushed together!!! can i say how excruciating this is!! im sure u all with endo can relate!! well, after all this(yes i still have pains every day from previous surgeries) but im hangin in and im just about 34 weeks pregnant!! all of u keep your head up!!!!

mommybeaver - 123 days ago.
Hi everyone! I finally joined in, and wish everyone the best with your pregnancy! I have/had endometriosis...I had about 4 surgeries, my doctor said I would possibly never get pregnant, but we did!! What a wonderful surprise! 15 weeks and counting!

AmandaArroyo - 138 days ago.
In 2005 i didnt get my period for 3 months straight (which is not normal for some on the pill). I went to the doctor and he told me that i had a cyst on my right ovary. He watched it for 3 months to see if it will get smaller or bigger. Well it just kept getting bigger. So they removed it by doing the lap surgery. I was fine after that and havent had a problem since then. But he diagnosed me with endo even though i really never did get bad cramps or anything like that. So know i am 5 weeks preggo and i am so excited. Just always have to stay positive!

heath - 154 days ago.
My husband and I had tried to conceive for 2 years.Then I was diagnosed with endo in Jan 2006 after a lap surgery. Not only did I have problems my husband was also diagnosed with fertility issues. The specialist told us it would be impossible to conceive naturally and asked if I wanted to start medical intervention I said No. Then I threw out my thermometer and never looked back. Then 6 months later I was pregnant. I was completely shocked. I now have a beautifully 10 month old daughter and surprise I am pregnant again. I only had 2 cycles since giving birth. i didn't think I would ever get pregnant again. So don't give up, anything is possible.

becky61179 - 157 days ago.
I found out that I had endometriosis in 2004. I had had problems since I first got my period at 11 and was diagnosed with a bowel disease because of my symptoms. Thirteen years later I had a lap and found out what it had been all along. I was told that it was a severe case and would more than likely not be able to conceive and if I did would have to use fertility drugs. I am now 28 and 39 weeks pregnant with my first baby, a girl. I feel that she is a miracle and just wanted to share this with other women who thought that their dream of becoming a mother would never come true. I just hope that some of the symptoms don't come back!

08*c0nception- - 161 days ago.
I'm pretty sure I have endo, I set up an appt for the 13th (background on my page, funny story), anyway just wanted to know if the operation hurts? If anyone can leave a comment and tell me what its like, or if ppl can share their story of their symptoms and how they found out. My friends never even heard of it, which is y I signed on to this site. No one talk to about it, thanks!

skknop - 163 days ago.
Wow. I am amazed at the amount of people that share in my experience. I am 34 years old, I have had 3 lap, went through infertility treatments and IUI to conceive my son (which is now 6). I was scheduled November 8th for my 3rd lap and a few weeks before my surgery figured out that I was pregnant. What a whirl wind that I have been in since. I was sure that I would be having an hysterectomy and no more children. I am now 10+ weeks pregnant. I have a 5 cm cyst on my ovary that the dr is monitioring every 2 weeks to make sure that the size and texture hasn't changed. I have heard the saying 'once you stop trying it will happen'. I never believed it until now!! I guess someone else had a different plan for me than I had for myself! Everyone that is still trying, keep your head up and stay hopeful!!! Take care!

citymama - 164 days ago.
I was diagnosed back in 1995 with laparoscopies in 1999 and 2004. I was always told it would be hard to get pregnant, cuz they could never remove all of the damage. only one ovary was working and the other in my opinion was 'lazy' it worked when it wanted. I was on depo for a year and pills nonstop for a couple of more years. I had started down the path with the fertily specialist. What a depressing year! My marriage ended and I obviously quit trying to get pregnant. I laid off the pill for a while trying to let my body get 'normal' (whatever that is). Low and behold I'm now 35 and have been off the pill for 3+ years and am now pregnant. I had pretty much given up, but life works in wierd ways. I'm 35, not married, pregnant and couldn't be happier.

cottonmomma - 185 days ago.
hey all. i would just like to share my story as well. i was diagnosed with endo when i was only 13 years old. i am now 21 and am 18 weeks pregnant. i did not have all the trouble that most of you had with getting pregnant. at age 16 i had a laporoscopy and then again at age 20. from age 14 to age 20 i was on depo prevera shots and had no periods that whole time. when i decided to stop the shots, i went on the pill. i had a hard time remembering to take the pill every day. i think it was only about 6-7 months on the pill before i got pregnant. and so far i have not had any problems with my pregnancy or with pain or anything having to do with endo. 'knock on wood!!'

spen - 189 days ago.
When I was 21/22 I had laparoscopy with laser due to endometriosis and cyst 2 times within 6 months and was told it would be difficult to conceive. I tried for the first 2 years of my marriage to have a baby, and was not successful - well low and behold @ 34 - I'm 18 weeks pregnant and doing fine. Stay positive!

alevine - 191 days ago.
Because of my Endo, Sex with out lubrication was not possible. I was told that most (if not all) lubrications were going to create an obstacle in TTC because the spermicide in the lubrication killed sperm on contact. I did tons of research and found a product called PRESEED that is a safe product to use when trying to have a baby. I bought it in boat loads, (its a little expensive) but I used it during the weeks that i was ovulating... and it works. ENM, just keep at it. Keep charting and try to stay positive... I know it is hard.. but it will happen. One way or another

tearsofababy - 193 days ago.
Sherree29- I would like to ask if you, or the doctor you work for can refer me to someone in the city of Montebello or Los Angeles in California. I read your entry and tears just came down my face because I was reading my story. I am 34 years old. I have one daughter age 6, which I had at the age of 25 and since then have not been able to get pregnat. In December of last year 2006 I had surgery and was told that I had stage 4 Endometriosis. My options... have a historectomy or live with the pain. According to the doctors a baby does not seem possible. I lost my medical insurance and have not been able to see a fertility specialist and I hope that your option might even be a more affordable choice for me, not to mention more promising. My husband and I try every month-- and still nothing. Your message gives me hope! I know each case is different, but it's worth the try. So if you could find out where I might beable to have the same luck with someone in my area I would appreciate the help.

zachs-mommy - 195 days ago.
I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2005. I was scheduled for surgery on September 18th of this year (2nd laparoscopy) for adhesion removal. They were also going to try to do something about my ovarian cysts which are numerous. We were told that I was not ovulating at all, and that in order to be able to conceive, I would have to take hormone/infertility treatments. On the day before my surgery, I was one day late, so I took a pregnancy test, and miraculously, it was positive. After about 2 weeks, my endo symptoms were gone. However, last night, I started having excruciating lower abdomen and lower back pains, very similar to the cramping I would have with my menstral cycles. I have had some spotting today, and off and on cramping. I am 10 weeks prego and I'm not sure if this is normal or not. Has anyone experienced anything similar to this - a little nervous tonight. Thanks!


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