Endometriosis is a life-altering disease affecting millions worldwide. Endometriosis affects an estimated 2 to 10 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 40. It is derived from the word "endometrium", the tissue that borders the uterus. Endometriosis is so debilitating, it impacts the lives of women daily. At Aster Hospital we have a multi-disciplinary approach to treat patients with endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue that usually lines the inside of your uterus (Endometrium), spreads and grows outside of it, affecting other organs and structures in the pelvic cavity.
Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and occasionally the bowel and bladder. Rarely, it may spread beyond the pelvis. In the UAE, endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, and it is estimated that 100,000 women live with the disease.
How to Identify Endometriosis and When to visit Doctor?
Pain, especially excessive menstrual caps
Infertility
Pain during intercourse
Painful Urination or bowel movements
Fatigue and abnormal menstrual flow
Diarrhoea, Constipation, Nausea or lower back pain
Diagnosis Endometriosis
To diagnose the disease, the doctor will take a detailed history and perform a pelvic investigation. Also the following investigations may be performed
Ultra Sound Scan
It is particularly helpful in diagnosing ovarian cyst due to endometriosis
MRI Scan
It is helpful in characterizing ovarian cysts as well as assessing severity in recto-vaginal disease.
Laproscopy
This is very effective technique in diagnosing endometriosis and is often referred to as the 'golden standard' for diagnosis
Treatments & Procedures
The treatment of endometriosis usually involves the use of medications or surgery. The best approach is discussed between you and your specialist. This depends on how severe your symptoms are, and whether you are aiming at becoming pregnant.
Pain relief medicine:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) helps to ease painful menstrual cramps.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists:
They block the production of certain hormones, causing a menopausal state that helps to stopthe growth of endometriosis. Once you discontinue the medications, your normal cycle will return, and you may have a better chance of pregnancy
Hormonal birth control:
Prevents ovulation, slowing the growth of endometriosis tissue and help in reduction of pain.
Laproscopy:
Key-hole surgery with tiny cuts that allows removing endometriosis patches/cysts.
Hysterectomy:
Surgical removal of the uterus is considered as a last treatment, because it cannot be reversed.
