GYNAECOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an extremely common condition which can affect women in a variety of ways. It occurs when the cells which normally line the uterus (endometrium) are found in other parts of the pelvis. The cells behave exactly the same as they do when they line the uterus and therefore each month they grow and at the time of a period then they bleed. Bleeding inside the pelvis can often cause pain. Therefore, most patients with Endometriosis initially have problems with pain at the time of their periods. After many months and years of this internal bleeding, then scar tissue may form, together with cysts on the ovaries. Women with severe Endometriosis may have pain at any time of their menstral cycle and may have adhesions in the pelvis which cause problems. In addition to the pain which is caused by Endometriosis, this condition can also cause problems with fertility.

Most patients have the diagnosis of Endometriosis confirmed by a laparoscopy operation. At this laparoscopy then mild to moderate Endometriosis can be treated with the laser or another similar ablation method. This is a very effective way of treating early Endometriosis. A variety of hormonal treatments may be useful in controlling the symptoms of Endometriosis. Common hormonal treatments include the oral contraceptive pill, the mirena IUS, progesterone treatments, danasol and GnRH hormone injections.