Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

The uterus comprises three linings of tissue and muscle; the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium. Endometriosis is a disorder in which the innermost layer of the three linings—the endometrium—grows outside the womb. This condition may result in adhesions (internal scar tissue) that can lead to the dislocation of internal organs. While the condition is typically painful, especially during menstruation, there are women who display no symptoms at all – or others who suffer continuous discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis

Like most health problems, the symptoms of endometriosis differ between women. It is important to note that the acuteness of the discomfort is not always an indicator of the severity of the problem. The symptoms are largely determined by the reach and location of the endometrial tissue and affected organs. Therefore, Dr G recommends a check-up if you have some of the symptoms below even if your pain isn’t incapacitating.

• Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea)
• Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic and abdominal pain (unrelated to menstruation)
• Abnormal period flow (which encompasses clotting and bleeding that is heavy, prolonged, or irregular)
• Abnormal bowel functioning (which encompasses painful bowel movements, diarrhoea, constipation, and bleeding)
• Fertility problems
• Pain in your lower back, legs and/or thighs
• Discomfort while urinating and/or the need to urinate frequently
• Premenstrual syndrome

Endometriosis may also result in emotional upheaval. With the expectation of recurrent discomfort looming over you each month, it is both understandable and natural if you feel anxious, stressed out, or depressed.

Cause of Endometriosis

Science hasn’t discovered the exact cause of endometriosis as yet. It is likely to be impacted by multiple factors. These include genetic dispositions, impaired immune systems, hormonal disturbances, and surgical complications.

Endometriosis isn’t rare or obscure, but a fairly common gynaecological problem affecting women of childbearing age. If you think you may have the condition, make an appointment with Dr G. With his experience and skill, he will be able to diagnose the problem, discuss the different options you have based on the nature and severity of your complaints, and treat endometriosis using the latest technology that medical science has to offer.

What can you do?

Endometriosis is not something that can be ignored and it is imperative that your condition is diagnosed and treated correctly. Fortunately, Dr G has several options to offer you and, with a decade of experience, specialised knowledge, and expertise to his name, can easily identify the ones most suited for your unique case.

Diagnostic Tests for Endometriosis

Dr G will discuss both your family and your personal medical history in detail at the time of your consultation. If your symptoms, the results of a pelvic exam, and your risk factors suggest that you have endometriosis, you may be asked to undergo a diagnostic test for confirmation. Common tests include:

• Laparoscopy – a procedure by which the interior of your uterus is examined using a tiny specialised camera
• Ultrasound – a medical imaging technique that harnesses sound waves to ‘see’ your uterus

You may also be asked to do a colonoscopy – a procedure by which your bowel is examined using a colonoscope — a camera enclosed within a thin flexible tube. This is only performed if Dr G suspects that the endometriosis could be impacting your bowel.