Nearly five million American women suffer from a condition known as endometriosis. This disease results when uterine tissue, which usually is sloughed off during the menstrual period, instead migrates to other parts of the reproductive system, often causing extreme pain and developing into endometriosis cysts.
The causes of endometriosis are not well understood, although the most recent research seems to indicate that genetics plays a big role in the condition. Women whose mothers, sisters, or other close female relatives have endometriosis are seven times more likely to develop the condition themselves. Other signs of susceptibility to endometriosis include starting periods at an early age and having heavy periods or periods longer than seven days.
Though its causes may not be known yet, the effects of endometriosis are felt every month by millions of women. The primary symptom of endometriosis is severe pain. The pain results from the migrated uterine tissue acting like the lining of the uterus. Each month, the uterus prepares itself for the possibility of receiving a fertilized ovum. When no ovum implants itself in the blood-rich uterine lining, the tissue is discharged through menstruation. Endometriosis tissue behaves in this same way, except that the tissue has nowhere to go. Thus it builds up, swells and often forms painful endometriosis cysts.
Fortunately, endometriosis cysts are typically benign or non-cancerous and usually are confined to parts of the female reproductive system. Sometimes they can be found on a woman's bladder or bowels, since the reproductive system lies so close to the excretion organs. Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for endometriosis, only treatments. Choices of treatment for endometriosis typically depend on whether a woman intends to give birth to more children. Sometimes taking certain hormones reduces the tissue growth associated with endometriosis, and analgesic medications can relieve the pain.
Sometimes endometriosis will respond to treatment with certain hormones. Women also can take over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to deal with monthly pain. However, there is no medical way to eliminate endometriosis; it has no cure.
If you believe you are suffering from endometriosis, see your gynecologist as soon as possible. - 29962
The causes of endometriosis are not well understood, although the most recent research seems to indicate that genetics plays a big role in the condition. Women whose mothers, sisters, or other close female relatives have endometriosis are seven times more likely to develop the condition themselves. Other signs of susceptibility to endometriosis include starting periods at an early age and having heavy periods or periods longer than seven days.
Though its causes may not be known yet, the effects of endometriosis are felt every month by millions of women. The primary symptom of endometriosis is severe pain. The pain results from the migrated uterine tissue acting like the lining of the uterus. Each month, the uterus prepares itself for the possibility of receiving a fertilized ovum. When no ovum implants itself in the blood-rich uterine lining, the tissue is discharged through menstruation. Endometriosis tissue behaves in this same way, except that the tissue has nowhere to go. Thus it builds up, swells and often forms painful endometriosis cysts.
Fortunately, endometriosis cysts are typically benign or non-cancerous and usually are confined to parts of the female reproductive system. Sometimes they can be found on a woman's bladder or bowels, since the reproductive system lies so close to the excretion organs. Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for endometriosis, only treatments. Choices of treatment for endometriosis typically depend on whether a woman intends to give birth to more children. Sometimes taking certain hormones reduces the tissue growth associated with endometriosis, and analgesic medications can relieve the pain.
Sometimes endometriosis will respond to treatment with certain hormones. Women also can take over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to deal with monthly pain. However, there is no medical way to eliminate endometriosis; it has no cure.
If you believe you are suffering from endometriosis, see your gynecologist as soon as possible. - 29962
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