Endometriosis
Do your periods bother you a lot? Do you bleed a lot, have frequent abdominal or pelvic pain – whether related to your cycle or not? Do you feel deep pain during intercourse? Or pain with urination? Do you often suffer from diarrhea or just constipation – and does this seem to be related to your period? Do you have frequent abdominal bloating, pain in your back and legs?
Maybe you suffer from endometriosis.
This is endometriosis
The inside of the uterus is lined with mucous membrane. Endometriosis is a condition in which such mucous membrane grows outside the uterus. These spots can occur anywhere in the abdominal cavity, such as on the bladder or on the intestines.
The mucous membrane in the uterus grows under the influence of female hormones. Its purpose is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the body rejects the tissue each month: that is menstruation.
In endometriosis, the tissue patches outside the uterus have the same cycle. The big difference is: the blood cannot leave. Thus, inflammatory reactions and adhesions can occur in the abdominal cavity. Because the tissue can grow in different places in the abdominal cavity, the possible symptoms are very different. From abdominal pain to pain when urinating, or constipation.
Endometriosis occurs in 1 in 10 women. But unfortunately, endometriosis is not always recognized immediately by a doctor. This is because there are so many possible symptoms, and because not every woman realizes that the symptoms coincide with the menstrual cycle. Moreover, no direct relationship has been found between the number of patches of tissue outside the uterus and the degree of pain. Thus, a lot of pain does not necessarily mean that there are many patches of tissue in the abdominal cavity.
Good to know:
Painful menstruation is not normal! If you have symptoms, see your doctor with it.
Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose. You will usually have a number of tests at the gynecologist’s office: an internal examination, an internal ultrasound and, nowadays often an MRI. To make a definitive diagnosis, laparoscopic surgery is required. In this procedure, a narrow tube enters your abdomen through a small incision near your navel. The tube contains a light and a camera; this allows the gynecologist to view the tissue in your abdominal cavity.
Here’s what we can do for you
We can find out what causes your pain: is it irritated or pinched nerves; is it due to changes in blood flow to a tissue; are tissues stuck together or do you suffer from tense muscles. We map this out with a comprehensive examination and create a treatment plan in consultation with you.
Treatment is always aimed at reducing pain symptoms. Therefore, the treatment can be different for each patient. You will also do exercises to get your muscles back in good condition. Less pain and more condition: so you can move more easily and comfortably again!
