Endometriosis Medical Definition
Endometriosis is a condition when the tissue that forms the inner lining of the uterine wall grows outside the uterus. This tissue called the endometrium can grow in the ovaries, intestines, Fallopian tubes (oviduct), vagi**na, or in the rectum (the end of the intestine connected to the anus).
Before menstruation, the endometrium will thicken as a place to stick to the fertilized egg. If not pregnant, the endometrium will decay, then come out of the body as menstrual blood.
In the case of endometriosis, the endometrial tissue outside the uterus also thickens, but cannot decay and exit the body. The condition can cause pain complaints, it can even lead to infertility in women.
Endometriosis Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase a person can have endometriosis, namely:
- The risk increases if a family member has endometriosis.
- Never gave birth.
- A medical condition that causes menstrual blood to be blocked from exiting the body.
- Have a disorder of the immune system.
- The presence of abnormalities in the uterus.
- Have your first menstruation before the age of 12.
- The vagi**na, cervix, or uterus have an abnormal shape that makes menstruation can be obstructed.
Endometriosis Causes
To be sure, the cause of endometriosis is not yet known. However, one of the risk factors that trigger the onset of endometriosis is the high level of the hormone estrogen. In addition, there are several risk factors other than estrogen that are suspected as triggers, namely hereditary factors, immune system, cell adaptation factors, according to the environment of their organs, and environmental exposure factors.
Endometriosis Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of endometriosis are pain in the lower abdomen. The level of pain can vary from woman.
However, in general this pain will usually get worse when you menstruate or have se**xual inter**course.
Some women also complain of pain that runs from the lower abdomen, back, to the legs.
Some say the characteristics of endometriosis pain feel like cramps, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In addition, pain due to endometriosis symptoms can also be affected by the location where the endometrial tissue grows.
If the tissue grows in the urinating part of the organ, you may experience problems urinating.
While tissue grows in the intestines, it may experience digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea.
When tissue grows on the ovaries or Fallopian tubes, this may lead to infertility.
If you have concerns about certain symptoms of endometriosis, consult a doctor immediately.
Endometriosis Diagnosis
Diagnosis of endometriosis can be ascertained by the doctor in the following ways:
- Interview about the symptoms experienced and the history of the disease in the patient and family.
- Physical examination. The doctor will examine the patient’s pelvis by pressing on the abdomen to feel the lump. These lumps can indicate cysts or other health problems.
- Transvagi**nal ultrasound or abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound can help the doctor to find the cysts related to endometriosis. But this procedure can not rule out the possibility of disorders of other reproductive organs.
If the three diagnostic procedures were not able to determine whether the patient has endometriosis or not, the doctor may recommend surgery on the patient. Surgery allows the doctor to see the affected organs directly. This medical procedure is usually done by laparoscopic technique. The doctor can also treat endometriosis through surgery. For example, remove endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus.
Endometriosis Treatment
There is no specific drug that can treat endometriosis. However, symptoms can often be managed with pain relievers or hormone medications, which help to keep daily activities undisturbed.
Surgery to remove endometriosis tissue is sometimes necessary to correct any symptoms that appear including fertility disorders. Common surgery procedures are:
- Laparoscopy – This procedure is performed to remove endometriosis tissue or burn the tissue using a laser or electric current. This procedure is usually done for patients who still want to have children.
- Hysterectomy – This procedure is a surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, and both ovaries. After this procedure, the patient can no longer get pregnant and has a higher risk of suffering from heart and vascular disease.
- Laparotomy – This procedure is performed to access the affected organs and remove endometriosis tissue.
Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to treat, both physically and emotionally.
