Endometriosis

Definition and causes

Innermost layer of the uterus called the endometrium (livmoderslimhinden). Endometrium contains, inter alia, glands, and is the layer where the fertilized egg becomes lodged and develop into an embryo. Endomtriet is very significantly affect the female sex hormones and undergo cyclical changes, which follows a woman's menstrual cycle. It is this layer that is destroyed every month when the contraction begins.

If there is endometrievæv elsewhere than in the uterus cavity, where it belongs, called the stateEndometriosis. The most frequent location of endometrievæv outside the womb is on the inside of the small pelvis (the lower part of the abdominal cavity) and the tissues around the uterus and ovaries. Often it is also inside the abdominal cavity and intestinal suspensions. Less often found it in the navel, in arvæv in the abdomen, the bladder or enddog in the lungs.

The symptoms of endometriosis is due to the irritating effects of blood on mucous membranes.

The reason for the emergence endometrievæv outside the womb, is not completely known, but it is believed that due to menstrual bleeding can pass to the abdominal cavity and the small basin through the egg heads. This menstrual blood lead endometrierester from the uterus, which then grows himself on the inside of the abdominal cavity.

If endometrievævet found inside the uterus muskellag, called the stateadenomyose. In some cases, which accumulates blood clots inside the uterus wall. These blood called popular'chokoladecyster'.

Only a few percent of all women have endometriosis so strong that it requires treatment, but there is apparently more than 20% of all women who have the condition. Women whose mother or sister has endometriosis, has significantly increased risk of developing it. Most cases occur in the 30-45 years of age.

Symptoms of endometriosis

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain at menstruation (dysmenorrhea).

Some women have knownDeep inside dyspareunia(painful intercourse when the penis is fully implemented, but not by penetration), which usually is worst just before contraction.

For some the first symptom is sudden onset of pain, as a 'chocolate cyst' cracks.

In other is the only symptom that women have difficulty becoming pregnant, since endometrievævet can be enclosed in egg heads.

Precautions and diagnosis

The diagnosis can be difficult to make, but rests largely on the information the woman provides for the symptoms. In addition, the diagnosis only at the visualization of endometrievævet outside the womb, which is done by a kikkertundersøgelse of the abdominal cavity.

Treatment of Endometriosis

The treatment of endometriosis is either medical or surgical. However, there are no forms of treatment, which detaches itself as the best, with some not particularly active, while others have side effects that the woman could not tolerate.

Medical treatment of light cases of endometriosis are common contraceptive pill. This reduces the natural changes that are usually in endometrievævet through a menstrual cycle. Other medikamina contains male sex hormones, and are relatively effective, but side effects in the form of acne, weight gain, flushing and in rare cases, the development of deep voice, does that women often choose this procedure.

Some hormones can induce an artificial, temporary menopause, but this treatment may not be long, because the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Treatment with rheumatic drugs (NSAIDs) as ibuprofen or naproxen are both a pain-killing effect, and a bleeding-reducing effects (and thus fewer pain).

Surgical treatment is based on the removal of endometrievævet outside the womb. This can be either by laser or electrical burning of the affected areas. This is done usually by means of binoculars through the wall into the abdominal cavity. About 70% of women are experiencing now improving.
In women who do not want to get pregnant afterwards, the choice may be to operate away ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.

Select and complications

Normally the symptoms of endometriosis by the menopause.

In some cases, improved symptoms by medical treatment, and choice is therefore the surgery. Some of the women who have had surgery done, the relapse of the condition, and the outcome of subsequent operations are generally worse. Repeated operations in the abdominal cavity also a risk of the formation of arvæv that binds to the intestines and thus increases the risk of other stomach upset like. tarmslyng.

This article is formed on the Health Guide on 18.10.06