Endometriosis Awareness Week
26 October, 2000
National Endometriosis Awareness Week (30 October to 5 November), is an opportunity to learn about this chronic disease that affects one in 10 Australian women, and is often misdiagnosed. Sufferers of endometriosis may feel frustrated and depressed and isolated because few people know or understand what the disease means.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is caused by endometrium, the tissue which normally lines the uterus (womb), growing in other parts of the body, such as the bowel, ovaries, bladder, the fallopian tubes, muscle tissue, the lung, or the cervix. The endometrial tissue collects on these other tissues and organs and may impair normal functioning by causing scarring and adhesions. Because the misplaced endometrial tissue responds to the same hormones as the normal endometrium, it swells up and may bleed during the menstrual period.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The main symptom of endometriosis is extreme period and premenstrual pain, often with long, heavy or irregular periods. Pain during sexual intercourse, stomach aches, fatigue and infertility are also experienced by some women with endometriosis. Frequent urination is another common and irritating symptom.
The severity of symptoms varies between different women–depending on the location of the misplaced endometrial tissue, some women may experience no symptoms at all, however, in other women symptoms can be debilitating.
Endometriosis is also sometimes a factor in infertility. This may occur by the misplaced tissue or adhesions blocking the path of the egg as it moves from the ovary to the uterus. It is estimated that 30 to 40 per cent of women with endometriosis are infertile, and that it is the most common cause of infertility for women over 25.
Treating endometriosis
Endometriosis is generally controlled rather than completely cured. It can be treated using hormonal drugs, by surgery to remove implants or cysts, or natural herbal medicines and homeopathy. If being able to have children is not a consideration, surgical removal of the ovaries or a hysterectomy may be carried out.
In the short term, symptoms may be relieved by painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, however, not all medications will be right for you. Your doctor is the best person to offer advice about the suitability of any medication.
Diagnosing endometriosis
The diagnosis of endometriosis can only be accurately made when a doctor or gynaecologist performs a laparoscopy and sees patches of misplaced endometrial tissue.
A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that is carried out under anaesthesia. It involves the insertion of a long, thin instrument (laparoscope) into a small cut near your belly button, allowing your pelvic cavity to be viewed. This allows your doctor to identify any endometrial implants or cysts that may be present.
Taking care of yourself
National Endometriosis Awareness Week aims to raise consciousness of the symptoms of endometriosis, particularly in young women. Endometriosis most commonly affects women between 25 and 35, and many young women and doctors remain unaware that endometriosis can affect women as young as 13.
The Endometriosis Association of Victoria has found the average time between a woman’s symptoms beginning and diagnosis of endometriosis was over six years. So if you suspect endometriosis, find a supportive doctor to discuss your concerns.
Last Reviewed: 26 October 2000
