By Dr . Charles E . Simmons Jacksonville , Florida Assisted By Dominique D . Barrs Medical Student
Charles E . Simmons Pediatrics Dominique D . Barrs Endometriosis Jacksonville , Florida Black History 2015
Dr. Charles E . Simmons
The word endometriosis comes from the word endometrium . The prefix endo- means " inside " and -metrium means " mother ". Endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus ( womb ), and women with this problem have tissue that look and acts like the lining of the uterus , but grows outside of the uterus in places it ' s not supposed to grow . These areas can be classified as tumors , growths , lesions , nodules , or implants . Most cases of endometriosis are found on or under the ovaries , behind the uterus , on the tissues that hold the uterus in place , or on the bowels or bladder . However , endometriosis can grow in the lungs or other parts of the body , however wherever this misplaced tissue is , it causes pain , infertility , and very heavy periods .
To better understand why pain is a result of endometriosis , an understanding of a woman ' s period is needed . Every month , hormones cause the lining of the uterus to build up with blood vessels and tissue . The uterus then sheds this tissue and blood through the vagina if the woman does not get pregnant . Endometriosis also responds to the monthly cycle of the woman . Every month , the growths add more tissue and blood , and since the tissue isn ' t where it is supposed to be , it can ' t leave the body the way a woman ' s period normally does . As time progresses , endometriosis areas can grow and become nodules on the surface of the pel vie organs , or even cysts ( fluid-filled sacs ) in the ovaries . This leads to inflammation , scar tissue , and pain from the resulting tissue and blood that is shed into the body .
Endometriosis does not discriminate who it affects . From a girl who just got her first period , to a woman encountering menopause , anyone can get endometriosis . Overall , women with endometriosis are 27 years old on average . They still get their periods , and have symptoms for two to five years before they even find out that they have it . The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown , but you are more likely to get endometriosis if you get your period at an early age . Also , having heavy periods , or periods that last more than seven days can be a cause for endometriosis . Endometriosis can result from " retrograde menstrual flow ". This is when the tissue that sheds during a menstrual flow flows into her pelvis instead of exiting through her blood .
As stated before , pain is the most common symptom of a patient with endometriosis . Some women have reported that they have no pain , and they have a large region affected with endometriosis . Some women claim to suffer from an excruciating
A fallopian tube infected with outer cysts and nodules .
amount of pain , and their endometriosis coverage is Nodules or growths on the minor . This is a great indicator endometrium of the uterus . that the amount of pain is not positively correlated with the severity of endometriosis . Those suffering from pain have a variety of painful encounters . Painful menstrual cramps , chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis , pain during and after sex , intestinal pain , painful bowel movements , painful urination during monthly cycle , spotting in between periods , fatigue , and infertility .
There are treatments for the pain and infertility that endometriosis causes . Over-the counter drugs and prescription drugs are available for mild cases of endometriosis . Sometimes , pain medication is not strong enough and hormone therapy is needed . Women who take hormone treatments usually do not wish to have children ; they only want to alleviate pain due to their small growths and excessive pain . Pills , shots , and nasal sprays are the different forms that the hormones come in . For women who suffer severely from endometriosis , surgery seems to be the best method . The removal of growths and scar tissue , or destroying them with intense heat , are procedures done during Laparoscopy .
Endometriosis is really a growing issue , as more and more women are diagnosed with this problem . The Endometriosis Research Center ( ERC ) main goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by the disease . " The ERC is an International leader in raising Endometriosis awareness ; providing education , encouragement and empowerment to all those living with this illness ; facilitating global Endometriosis research efforts ; and so much more ". Located in Delray Beach , Florida , the world headquarters is teaming up with clinicians and researchers all over the world to find more effective treatments , and eventually a cure .