What You Need to Know About Endometriosis
Last Updated: 20 September 2024
Most women consider menstrual cramps a normal part of life that can be managed with ibuprofen or a heating pad. But some women suffer from debilitating menstrual pains that may be related to a condition called endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a benign condition in which the cells that normally line the uterus grow throughout the pelvis. This abnormal growth of cells can interfere with fertility and cause pain during menstruation.
Who is Affected by Endometriosis?
It is estimated that endometriosis affects between 10% and 15% of women of childbearing age and is the third leading cause of female infertility. Because it is determined by hormones, endometriosis occurs mainly in women between the ages of 18 and 45.
Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain: when you menstruate, during or after sexual intercourse, when you have a bowel movement or urinate. Endometriosis is often left undiagnosed because it is a symptom of other diseases and disorders, including pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ovarian cysts.
The exact cause of the disorder is unclear. The only way to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis is surgery and tissue biopsy.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
Medical options for treating endometriosis include over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, hormone therapy (birth control gear), and medications that prevent the body from producing estrogen.
For some women, laparoscopic surgery to remove abnormal tissue may be appropriate when medical options fail.
Treatment of endometriosis requires a team approach. Patients who turn to UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital can rely on the expertise of gynecologists and physiotherapists who specialize in pelvic floor disorders.
Learn more about our services for the endometriosis treatment: