Check-up this week looks at Endometriosis
Endometriosis
I been having painful periods for a number of years and was told it was a condition called dysmenorrhoea. But my GP thinks I might have endometriosis. Seemingly the symptoms can be very alike so what's the difference between the two conditions?
Medical terms can be complex so let me translate into some plain English. Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term for painful periods. There are two types; primary dysmenorrhoea, which happens as part of the normal menstruation cycle when high levels of hormones cause the muscles of the womb to contract tightly. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by other problems in the womb such as fibroids or infections.
Symptoms of dysmenorrhoea include pain with a dull dragging sensation in the abdomen, thighs and/or lower back. Often worse at the beginning of the period it can persist for up to two to three days. Nausea, vomiting and fainting may also occur.
Endometriosis is a common condition with one in 10 women suffering from it to varying degrees.The lining of the womb is called the endometrium which during the menstrual cycle becomes engorged with blood.
This blood is released if pregnancy does not occur. Endometriosis occurs when fragments of the endometrium grow outside of the womb in places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the wall of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle these fragments outside the womb also becomes engorged with blood that is unable to discharge. As a result some small blisters can develop and cause tissue irritation.
Symptoms of endometriosis include very heavy or painful periods, a dragging sensation in the abdomen, back or pelvis and some women can experience pain during intercourse. Some women develop painful cysts on the ovaries or uterus resulting in fertility problems.
I have an appointment to see a specialist and I've been told I may have to undergo a laparoscopy. Is this really necessary?
Because the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis can be very similar a referral to a consultant gynaecologist is recommended in order to make a definitive diagnosis.
Using a tiny fibre-optic scope (laparoscope) the doctor will be able to see just where the problem is. The scope is passed through a small incision in the abdomen and is performed under sedation.
Treatment of both conditions may include drugs, surgery or in some cases, both with the aim of reducing symptoms.