By Joseph Hazan,M.D., FACOG
Endometriosis affects females of the
reproductive age.
The inner lining ofthe uterus is called
endometrium.
This inner lining is normally
built up monthly and shed during the period.
Endometriosis consists of this type
of endometrial tissue being found outside
the uterus, in various areas.
It usually manifests itself as nodules,
lesions, implants or growths.
More commonly the locations are in
the pelvic area.
However they can be
found in the abdomen or outer genital
areas.
Rarely they can be located in
distant areas such as the arm, chest,
thigh or lungs.
The problem with having endometrial
lining tissue in various locations is due
to the pain.
This pain is caused by the
breakdown and bleeding in these areas.
There is inflammation and scarring also.
Adhesion formation, obstruction and
hemorrhage are possible.
The pain is usually associated with periods,
intercourse and sometimes with bowel
movements.
Infertility can result in 35% of cases.
Diagnosis of endometriosis early in
its progression can help prevent
infertility.
Treatment is by surgery and medications
to help eliminate endometriosis. The
following can be beneficial:
Combined oral contraceptives
Levonorgestrel Intrauterine system
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
injection every 3 months.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
GnRH agonist Lupron
Danazole(Danocrine)
Treatment will depend on the individual
situation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1) Schenken RS. Pathogenesis. In:
Schenken RS,ed. Endometriosis:
Contemporary
Concepts in Clinical Management.
Philadelphia: JB Lippincott;1989.
2) Kennedy S,et al. ESHRE guideline
for the diagnosis and treatment of
endometriosis. Hum Reprod. 2005;
20(10):2698-2704.
RESOURCES
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