Endometriosis FAQ's
Q: What is endometriosis?
A: In simple terms, endometriosis ("endo") is when uterine tissue grows
in other areas of the body, outside of the uterus. When a
woman menstruates, this tissue also "menstruates," possibly
causing cramps, rectal and/or urinary bleeding (if the tissue
is attached to the bowels/bladder), abdominal pain, and
scarring/adhesions.
Q: What causes endo?
A: No one knows for sure what causes endo, but there are several
theories. These theories tend to be old-fashioned and sexist. Some
"experts" have even suggested that endo is caused by women waiting
until they're in their late 20's and 30's to start their families!
Another theory is that in some women, menstrual bleeding somehow "backs
up"
into the fallopian tubes and spreads uterine tissue into other areas of
the body. These theories don't explain the occurence of endo in young
girls who
haven't menstruated yet.
Q: Is there a cure?
A: No. Endometrial tissue may be surgically removed or burned off by
laser, but this does not ensure that all tissue has been removed (some may
be microscopic). And there's no guarantee that it won't come back,
anyway. For many women, endo is a life-long battle.
Q: Who is prone to have endo?
A: ANY WOMAN can have endo. Endo has been found in young girls, older
women past menopause, women of all races, shapes, and sizes. Despite what
some "experts" say, endo is NOT a disease of "rich, thin, white
women."
Q: How would I know if I have endo?
A: Symptoms include--but are not limited to--severe menstrual cramps,
excessive menstrual bleeding, pain during and/or after sex, pain during
ovulation, painful pelvic exams, abdominal pain ANY time of the month,
backaches, menstrual diarrhea, and digestive problems (especially during
menstruation). The only way to know FOR SURE is to have your health care
practitioner "take a look," usually done by laparoscopy, the
insertion of a scope into the abdomen. This is NOT a pleasant procedure!
If you have any of the above symptoms, please see your health care
practitioner for diagnosis. If you want to have a laparoscopy, you'll
need to have someone drive you home.
Q: Is endo really that bad, to warrant having a
potentially painful
procedure done--especially since there's no cure anyway?
A: That's up to the individual. Some women with severe endo have no
problems at all, while other women with mild endo suffer horribly. For
some women, the definitive diagnosis of endo is a starting point to try
and be treated for their discomfort.
Q: What treatments are available?
A: There are many "treatments," but success rates vary. Endo can be
physically removed (by excision or by laser) but it can be difficult to
remove it all. Some doctors try to control endo with hormones, to
regulate ovulation and menstruation. Others prescribe painkillers,
tranquilizers, and anti-depressants. Because of the potential
side-effects of these medications, some women treat themselves with
alternative medicine, such as herbal treatments, homeopathy, aromatherapy,
accupressure/accupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, nutritional
therapy, and too many more to name.
Q: What about a hysterectomy?
A: Removal of
the uterus doesn't affect the endometrial tissue growing elsewhere, and
the functioning of the ovaries continues to act on this tissue. Some
women
continue to have problems, even after a total hysterectomy. For
other women, a hysterectomy has been the "cure." It really depends on the
individual, it seems.
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