Female 1: Endometriosis is one of the most common health problems for women the world over, possibly affecting 5 million American women. So what is endometriosis anyway?
Female 2: Endometriosis occurs when tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus actually grows in other areas of the pelvic region. Because this condition is one of the leading causes of infertility, it helps to be familiar with endometriosis.
The tissue that lines the uterus or womb is called the endometrium. Every month, female hormones caused the endometrium of a women’s uterus to be build up with tissue and blood in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the uterus sheds this build up lining via the vagina as a menstrual period. Although this process occurs in women with endometriosis as well, it is a bit more complicated. That is because women with endometriosis have patches of endometrium that grow outside the uterus and places the like the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the bowels or the bladder. This misplaced tissue responds to the monthly cycle just as the endometrium does. Each month the patches or plaques grow thicker, as the tissues affected do not have a natural exit route, there is no place for the build up for the build up to leave the body at the cycle’s end. These endometriotic plaques can grow larger over time and the symptoms can worsen.
A symptom suggestive of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain that tends to be worst during menstruation or ovulation. Other symptoms include very painful or heavy menstrual periods. Pain during or after sex and uncomfortable urination or bowel movements during menstruation. Contrarily, some women have no symptoms at all. Infertility is another sign that can suggest that endometriosis is present. Indeed, some women do not realize they have endometriosis until they attempt to conceive and cannot do so.
Endometriosis can lead to infertility because it may cause scarring or blockage of the body’s fallopian tube which are necessary to transport eggs from the ovaries to be fertilized. Unfortunately, no one has identified endometriosis’ exact cause, although a genetic link is often theorized. Regardless of the cause, there is currently no cure for endometriosis, however, medication can help to ease the pain and menstrual symptoms that can accompany the condition. In addition, surgery aimed at removing the build up may assist the women with infertility causing endometriosis as well as patients with very severe cases.
Endometriosis is very common and the symptoms of the condition are treatable. If you have concerns about endometriosis, please make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor.
Female 1: Want to learn more check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services