Endometriosis is a relatively common condition that can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissues that line the pelvic floor. There is a layer of mucous membrane on the inside of the uterus. Sometimes pieces of this mucous membrane end up outside the uterus. This is called endometriosis. Most women do not notice this, but some women experience pain during menstruation due to endometriosis. Other women always have stomach pains, even when they don't have their period. And a number of women with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving. Fortunately, the disease is not life-threatening. Treatment is only necessary if you have complaints. You will then be given medication and/or an operation. Endometriosis will not go away, but after the menopause the complaints usually disappear.
Where can endometriosis occur?
• in the abdominal cavity
• on or in the ovaries
• on the suspension straps of the uterus
• between the uterus and the bladder
• between the uterus and the rectum
• in the intestinal wall
• deep in the wall of the uterus itself
Who has endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs in women of childbearing age, and only rarely before the first menstrual period and/or after the last menstrual period. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women who are menstruating has endometriosis. Some women have a higher risk of endometriosis than other women.
Your risk of endometriosis is increased if:
Your mother or sister has endometriosis;
You have been menstruating from a young age and late in the menopause comes;
You have not (or not often) been pregnant;
Your cycle is short so that you menstruate often (for example, you have your period every three weeks).
What complaints does endometriosis cause?
Endometriosis can cause symptoms, but it doesn't have to. In some women, the disease is discovered accidentally. Endometriosis is mild, moderate, or severe. This classification is based on the amount of endometrium that is outside the uterus; it says nothing about the seriousness of the complaints.
The complaints differ from woman to woman. In fact, one woman has more complaints in one period than in the other. The symptoms you get are related to the places where the endometrium is located. In addition to general complaints such as fatigue and/or lower back pain, these may include:
pain during menstruation, sudden abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse, complaints with defecation, complaints with urination and reduced fertility
.
How is endometriosis diagnosed? Your doctor may think of endometriosis based on your symptoms. Various investigations are possible to determine this.
Should endometriosis be treated?
Treatment of endometriosis is not always necessary. If your gynecologist accidentally discovers small spots of endometriosis that do not cause any symptoms, you can wait and see. It may be wise to stay under control; discuss with your gynecologist whether this is necessary in your situation and if so, how often. Treatment is strongly recommended for extensive endometriosis, even if you have no complaints.
How is endometriosis treated?
The treatment can consist of:
• medicines:painkillers and/or hormones
• surgery
• a combination of these
