Endometriosis is a Poorly understood Gynecological disorder which is defined as the presence of Uterine (Endometrial) tissue outside the Uterus.
In this condition, The Endometrial cells, which are practically the lining cells of the Uterine cavity, are shed during menstruation and attach themselves to anatomical structures within the Pelvis. They are most commonly found on the Fallopian tubes, Ovaries, Pelvic cavity and also the Vagina and Urinary bladder, on rare occasions however, endometriosis can be found in the lungs brain or other distant organs
The common symptoms of Endometriosis are Pelvic pain, especially during menstruation, sense of discomfort, pain during intercourse and Infertility. It's important to mention that in fact, most women with Endometriosis do not experience any symptoms.
The cause of Endometriosis remains obscure despite decades of medical investigation, and thus understanding and treating this disorder is still evolving.
The association between Endometriosis and infertility can be demonstrated by the disease' prevalence. Large scale studies suggest a prevalence of 0.5-5% in fertile women, while in infertile women, the prevalence may range up to 25-40%. Moreover, it is known that infertile women have more chances of suffering from the advanced stages of Endometriosis.
Evidence shows that several risk factors may play a role in the mechanism of the disease. These may include age, menstrual characteristics (such as heavy bleeding), genetic factors, and more. Although Endometriosis can be identified in women of all ages, this medical condition affects first and foremost women in the reproductive age.
According to several studies, Endometriosis is strongly related to Infertility, although the mechanism for that linkage is not fully established. These studies have shown a lower pregnancy rates in women with the disease as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery and pregnancy loss.
The decrease in Fertility as a symptom, is not fully correlated with the other symptoms of Endometriosis. This means in fact, that even a healthy woman, without any symptoms of the disease can suffer from Infertility due to small microscopic "implants" of Endometrial cells, within her body.
The age respected primary approach to treating endometriosis is Surgical. Laparoscopy, a relatively simple out patient procedure is usually the initial surgical intervention which is used to diagnose and treat the disease. During surgery and attempt is maid to remove as much diseased tissue as possible and often this treatment is sufficient for achieving a pregnancy. Occasionally, when the disease is very extensive with progressive stage III or IV, follow up medical treatment might be needed to further suppress the disease.
The principle behind the medical treatment of Endometriosis, is hormonal manipulation of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is suppressed and the endometrial tissue is deprived of estrogen, preventing further growth, and actually causes decreases effects of the disease. Lupron is the most commonly used drug, whoever, continuous oral contraceptive treatment, or pro-gestational agents can also be used.
Endometriosis is a Poorly understood Gynecological disorder which is defined as the presence of Uterine (Endometrial) tissue outside the Uterus.
In this condition, The Endometrial cells, which are practically the lining cells of the Uterine cavity, are shed during menstruation and attach themselves to anatomical structures within the Pelvis. They are most commonly found on the Fallopian tubes, Ovaries, Pelvic cavity and also the Vagina and Urinary bladder, on rare occasions however, endometriosis can be found in the lungs brain or other distant organs
The common symptoms of Endometriosis are Pelvic pain, especially during menstruation, sense of discomfort, pain during intercourse and Infertility. It's important to mention that in fact, most women with Endometriosis do not experience any symptoms.
The cause of Endometriosis remains obscure despite decades of medical investigation, and thus understanding and treating this disorder is still evolving.
The association between Endometriosis and infertility can be demonstrated by the disease' prevalence. Large scale studies suggest a prevalence of 0.5-5% in fertile women, while in infertile women, the prevalence may range up to 25-40%. Moreover, it is known that infertile women have more chances of suffering from the advanced stages of Endometriosis.
Evidence shows that several risk factors may play a role in the mechanism of the disease. These may include age, menstrual characteristics (such as heavy bleeding), genetic factors, and more. Although Endometriosis can be identified in women of all ages, this medical condition affects first and foremost women in the reproductive age.
According to several studies, Endometriosis is strongly related to Infertility, although the mechanism for that linkage is not fully established. These studies have shown a lower pregnancy rates in women with the disease as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery and pregnancy loss.
The decrease in Fertility as a symptom, is not fully correlated with the other symptoms of Endometriosis. This means in fact, that even a healthy woman, without any symptoms of the disease can suffer from Infertility due to small microscopic "implants" of Endometrial cells, within her body.
The age respected primary approach to treating endometriosis is Surgical. Laparoscopy, a relatively simple out patient procedure is usually the initial surgical intervention which is used to diagnose and treat the disease. During surgery and attempt is maid to remove as much diseased tissue as possible and often this treatment is sufficient for achieving a pregnancy. Occasionally, when the disease is very extensive with progressive stage III or IV, follow up medical treatment might be needed to further suppress the disease.
The principle behind the medical treatment of Endometriosis, is hormonal manipulation of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is suppressed and the endometrial tissue is deprived of estrogen, preventing further growth, and actually causes decreases effects of the disease. Lupron is the most commonly used drug, whoever, continuous oral contraceptive treatment, or pro-gestational agents can also be used.
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