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endometriosis - Panduan, Tahapan & Perawatan

Artikel Gambar Endometriosis: Sebuah Panduan visual untuk Gejala, Tahapan dan Perawatan

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue normally found inside the uterus grows in other parts of the body. It may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the exterior of the uterus, the bowel, or other internal structures. As hormones change during the menstrual cycle, this tissue breaks down and may cause painful adhesions, or scar tissue. More than 5.5 million American women have symptoms of endometriosis.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Pain just before, during, or after menstruation is the most common symptom of endometriosis. For some women, this pain may be disabling and may occur during or after sex, or during bowel movements or urination. It sometimes causes chronic pain in the pelvis and lower back. However, many women with endometriosis have mild or no symptoms. The symptoms may be related to the location of the growths.

Just Cramps or Endometriosis?

Most women have some mild pain with their menstrual periods. They may get relief from over-the-counter pain medications. If your pain lasts more than two days, keeps you from doing normal activities, or remains after your period is over, you should consult your doctor. Endometriosis also may cause pain in the lower back.

Endometriosis and Teens

Endometriosis pain can begin with the first menstrual period. If your menstrual pain is strong enough to interfere with activities, you should consult your physician. The first step may be tracking the symptoms and taking pain medication, but ultimately the treatment options for teens are the same as for adults.

Endometriosis and Infertility

Sometimes the first -- or only -- sign of endometriosis is trouble getting pregnant. Infertility affects about a third of women with the condition, for reasons that are not yet well understood. Scarring may be to blame. The good news is that medical treatments are effective to overcome infertility -- and pregnancy itself can relieve some symptoms of endometriosis.

Endometriosis or Fibroids?

Endometriosis is one cause of severe menstrual pain. But the pain can be caused by another condition, such as fibroids, which are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can cause severe cramps and heavier bleeding during your period. The pain of endometriosis or fibroids can also occur at other times of the month.

What Causes Endometriosis?

Doctors don't know why endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, but there are several theories. Heredity plays a role, and some endometrial cells may be present from birth. The cells also might migrate to the pelvic area during menstruation, through the bloodstream, or during surgery such as caesarian delivery. A faulty immune system may fail to eliminate the misplaced cells.

The brown cells seen here are endometrial cells removed from an abnormal growth on an ovary.

Endometriosis: Who Is at Risk?

Endometriosis is more common in women who:

• Are in their 30s and 40s
• Have not had children
• Have periods longer than 7 days
• Have cycles shorter than 28 days
• Started their period before age 12
• Have a mother or sister who had endometriosis

Diagnosis: Tracking Symptoms

Your pattern of symptoms can help to identify endometriosis, including:

• When the pain occurs
• How bad it is
• How long it lasts
• A change or worsening of pain
• Pain that limits your activities
• Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination

Diagnosis: Pelvic Exam

Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check the ovaries, uterus, and cervix for anything unusual. An exam can sometimes reveal an ovarian cyst or internal scarring that may be due to endometriosis. The doctor also looks for other pelvic conditions that could cause symptoms similar to endometriosis.