WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar
to the lining of the uterus is also found elsewhere
in the body, mainly in the abdominal cavity.
>> More about endometriosis
WHO GETS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis typically affects women during
their menstruating years. Symptoms can start with
or after the first menstruation and, for most women,
the disease is rarely found after the menopause.
>> More about symptoms
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS?
The most common symptom of endometriosis
is pelvic pain. The pain is often with menstruation,
however a woman with endometriosis may also experience
pain at other times during her monthly cycle. Another
symptoms is infertility, and some women with endometriosis
also experience severe fatigue.
>> More about symptoms
HOW IS ENDOMETRIOSIS DIAGNOSED?
The only way to diagnose endometriosis for sure is
during alaparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure.
However, many physicians are able to "diagnose"
endometriosis based on a woman's symptoms and start
treatment on that basis.
>> More about how to
diagnose endometriosis
>> More
about operative procedures for endometriosis
IS THERE A CURE FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS?
No. But it can be treated, and for many women it is
possible to manage their symptoms through a combination
of long term treatments.
>> More about treatments
WHERE DO I FIND SOMEONE WHO SPECIALISES IN
ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Most national or local support groups will
be able to advise you where to find specialist help.
Also read our article on how to find a centre which
specialises in treating endometriosis and the questions
you need to ask your physician before you decide on
the right treatment for you.
>> List of support group
across the world
>>
A practical guide to finding a centre of excellence/endometriosis
specialist
IS ENDOMETRIOSIS A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
OR INFECTIOUS?
No. Endometriosis cannot be transferred from
one human being to another. The cause of endometriosis
is not yet known, but it is not an infectious disease.
>> More about the causes of endometriosis
IS ENDOMETRIOSIS INHERITED?
The cause for endometriosis is not yet known,
but research does show that first-degree relatives
of women with this disease are more likely to develop
endometriosis.
>> More about the causes
of endometriosis
>>
More information about the genetics of endometriosis
WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?
It is estimated that 30-40% of women with
endometriosis may have difficulties in becoming pregnant
(but this means that 60-70% will have no problems!).
If fertility is a great wish, then please discuss
your symptoms with your physician so that together
you can develop the best treatment plan for you.
>> More about treatments
WILL A HYSTERECTOMY CURE ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Some women chose, as a last resort to have
a hysterectomy. However, this does not guarantee complete
pain relief. If you opt for a hysterectomy it is important
that all the endometriosis is removed at the same
time.
>> More about hysterectomy
>> More
about endometriosis surgery
WILL PREGNANCY CURE ENDOMETRIOSIS?
No. Some women find that their pain symptoms
are reduced during pregnancy, but this is not the
case for everyone. In most cases, endometriosis will
return after giving birth and stopping breast feeding.
>> More about
endometriosis treatments
IS ENDOMETRIOSIS CANCER?
No. Endometriosis cysts are sometimes referred
to as "beningn tumours", because they may
"behave similarly" to cancer, but endometriosis
is not the same disease. In very rare cases,
endometriotic implants has lead to cancer, but this
is very very rare. Some research suggests
that some women with endometriosis may be at a slightly
higher risk of developing certain cancers but this
is still controversial.
>>
More about endometriosis and cancer
ENDOMETRIOSIS
| SYMPTOMS
| CAUSES
| DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENTS |
SUPPORT GROUPS
