Endometriosis

A non-cancerous (benign) condition of the uterus is when there is a change to the uterine cells, but it isn't cancer and not usually life-threatening.

Endometriosis is a common non-cancerous condition of the uterus and female reproductive system. It occurs when tissue from the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. The endometrial tissue can grow on the outside of organs in the pelvis, including the uterus, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder or colon. Sometimes the tissue grows in the abdominal cavity. In rare cases, it can grow in other parts of the body, such as the lungs. Endometriosis may increase the risk of infertility.

It's not clear what exactly causes endometriosis. The following risks may increase your chance of developing endometriosis:

• having a first-degree relative with endometriosis
• having children later in life or never being pregnant
• having menstrual cycles that are less than 27 days and periods that last longer than 8 days

• having certain types of abnormalities of the uterus, cervix or vagina that can block or slow menstrual flow

Endometriosis may not cause any signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms depend on where the endometrial tissue grows. The signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• pain in the pelvis, abdomen, lower back or legs
• changes in menstruation, including heavy periods or bleeding between periods
• bleeding after sexual intercourse
• blood in your urine or stool
• infertility

Signs and symptoms are often most severe just before and after your menstrual period. Once menopause is reached, the symptoms usually go away because the levels of hormones are lower.

If you have symptoms or your doctor thinks you might have endometriosis, you will be sent for tests. Tests used to diagnose or rule out endometriosis include:

• a pelvic exam
• a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound
• a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• a biopsy during a laparoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or cystoscopy

Treatment options for endometriosis include:

• medicines to lower estrogen and control pain
• surgery to remove the areas of endometrial tissue that have grown outside the uterus
• surgery to remove the uterus (called hysterectomy) , fallopian tubes and ovaries