Get To Know Endometriosis

ENDOMETRIOSIS X GET TO KNOW ENDO ENDOMETRIOSIS is the most common cause of pelvic pain in women between age 10 and 50 years old. WHAT IS ENDO? ENDOMETRIOSIS is one of the top three causes of female infertility. Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (or womb) grows outside the uterus on other organs or structures in the body. Most often, endometriosis is found on the: Other sites for growths can include the vagina, cervix, vulva, bowel, bladder, or rectum. In rare cases, endometriosis has been found in other parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, and skin. Lining of the pelvic cavity • Tissues that hold the uterus in place Ovaries • Outer surface of the uterus • Fallopian tubes WHO IS SUSCEPTIBLE? The average woman is 27 and has spent several years searching for the cause of her pain and/or infertility before receiving the diagnosis of endometriosis. Approximately 176 million women and girls worldwide suffer from endometriosis; 8.5 million in North America alone. MAIN SYMPTOMS Painful Menstruation Pain During/After Sex Painful Bowel Movements Sharp Pelvic Pain Chronic Pelvic Pain and Lower Back Pain Fatigue Diarrhea, Constipation & Bloating Painful Urination Infertility CAUSES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS POSSIBLE Genetically Inherited • Issues in Embryonic Development Other Miscellaneous Causes * Stress, Dioxins, Xenoestrogens are not valid concepts of origin, but theoretically could aggravate symptoms. TREATMENTS FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS 1 Laparoscopy Excision surgery only has 7%-8% recurrence rate as opposed to ablation that has a 44-60% recurrence rate (within 1st year). 2. Pain Medicines Over-the-counter medicines such as Aleve and Ibuprofen as well as prescription pain relievers. 3. Non-Conventional Methods Diet & Nutrition, Acupuncture, Exercise, Naturopathy, Aromatherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic Treatment, Herbs etc. Birth Control Pills/Shot Decreases the amount of menstrual flow which may decrease the pain but does not eradicate the disease. Medicines try to treat symptoms to some degree, but do not treat endometriosis. Surgery is necessary for diagnosis and to receive the best treatment. HOW TO INCREASE YOU CHANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS? SURGERY is necessary FOR DIAGNOSIS and to receive the BEST TREATMENT If you miss school or work because of menstrual pain If you limit physical activities because of pelvic pain If you avoid sexual intimacy because of pain If friends and family tell you these things are normal: THEY'RE NOT!! Tell your doctor that you think you have endometriosis! If a prescribed medicine doesn't help significantly after 3 months: Tell your doctor again that you think you have endometriosis! RMA of Texas world class fertility care today you, tomorrow a family www.rmatx.com| RMA of Texas, San Antonio & Austin, Texas "Sources include www.womenshealth.gov, www.webmd.com and www.crat.org 176N