Endometriosis Diagnosis

If you believe you have endometriosis you should see a doctor immediately – plain and simple. Endometriosis is nearly impossible to diagnose without the help of a trained medical professional. In fact, it’s best to consult a doctor who specializes in women’s health. Generally, a routine physical examination can rule out endometriosis or require further tests to be performed. Once tests are performed it is fairly easy to conclusively diagnose endometriosis.

In addition to physical examinations, doctors have a variety of tests at their disposal to render a diagnosis of endometriosis. Imaging tests rely on the use of complicated machines that can actually create visual representations of what is going on inside the human body. In addition to letting doctors know what is going on, imaging tests can also pinpoint cysts and other abnormalities that may exist in the uterus. There are two commonly used imaging tests: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.

When you get an MRI you are usually placed inside a machine, although newer technologies for a less claustrophobic experience are becoming more common. An MRI renders a three-dimensional image of a designated area of the human body. Using magnetic fields an MRI can provide a doctor with a superbly detailed image.

Ultrasound is another form of imaging used to diagnose endometriosis. This imaging technique has been used most often to observe the unborn foetus in the womb. However, there are other uses for ultrasound. Using soundwaves, this imaging device can also provide doctors with a clear picture of what is going on.

Biochemical markers are another excellent method that doctors and medical professionals can use to find out if endometriosis is present. Through research, it has been discovered that there are certain chemicals in the blood of women that have developed endometriosis that are not found in the same concentration in women without the condition. Researchers have developed tests that look for a specific antigen and a specific protein, which can often lead the way to a successful diagnosis. This is the least costly test other than a physical examination, and takes the least amount of time – all it requires is a small sample of blood to analyze.

Laparoscopy is another way to diagnose if a woman has developed endometriosis. This test is conducted by creating a small incision into the pelvic region. A tiny camera is then fed into the hole and doctors can watch the findings on a computer monitor. On the tip of the camera there is an equally tiny apparatus for collecting tissue. A tissue sample can be obtained in this way and analyzed to see if endometriosis has developed.

The only way to find out which test may be appropriate for you is to consult your doctor. These tests are highly effective in helping doctors to determine whether endometriosis is the correct diagnosis or whether there is another cause for the symptoms. Before undergoing any of these tests it is a good idea that you familiarize yourself with each one of them. It is important to understand what you are getting into before you undergo any medical procedure.

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Common Endometriosis Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis are extremely diverse. This means that it is not easy to pinpoint the condition when a women first presents with symptoms. Fortunately, doctors are well-trained to diagnose the condition if a physical examination is performed. Normally, a physical examination and a few routine tests will provide a definitive diagnosis.

If you are concerned that you may have endometriosis, you shouldn’t worry too much about it until you consult a doctor and have the condition diagnosed. There is nothing worse than creating anxiety when it is not necessary. Worrying about endometriosis before understanding all the facts will not help at all. In fact, it will only serve to increase your stress levels.

As previously stated, there are many symptoms of endometriosis. Just because you have one or two of them does not mean you have the condition. The most common sign of endometriosis is a symptom called dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea manifests as pain before and during menstruation. Many women experience dysmenorrhea during their lifetimes – but this does not mean they have endometriosis. Normally, there are other symptoms present.

Painful bowel movements – which also could include constipation or other digestive problems – are often experienced by sufferers of endometriosis, and can be considered a significant warning sign. Dyspareunia, which is defined as pain during and after the act of sexual intercourse, is also a sign of endometriosis. Dyspareunia is likely due to patches of internal bleeding caused by the abnormal growth of the uterus lining. In addition, chronic pain – with or without sexual intercourse – in the pelvic region may be due to the invasion of tissue into areas not accustomed to such growth.

Another symptom of endometriosis is the onset of painful and or heavy menstruation cycles. These episodes are characterized by heavier than normal bleeding and abnormal cramping. The pain in highly acute cases can be so severe that hospitalization may be required. Chronic pain can also lead to radical lifestyle changes. The ability to go out and enjoy your life may be compromised so it is important to manage the condition before it reaches a destructive stage.

The most dreaded symptom of endometriosis is infertility. Women of reproductive age are often devastated upon learning that they may be unable to conceive. It can be a traumatizing experience, however, just because you have endometriosis does not automatically indicate that you will be infertile. Women with endometriosis can and do have children. But if the condition progresses to the later stages, infertility becomes a common outcome. Generally cases of endometriosis induced infertility are not treatable through fertility treatments.

Endometriosis is associated with a host of symptoms. It is important that you achieve a diagnosis before worrying about your symptoms. On their own, individual symptoms are usually nothing to worry about. But if you are experiencing more than one of the common symptoms there is a chance that you have endometriosis and you should take steps to find out as soon as possible. The condition occurs in four stages. If you can treat it and make some lifestyle changes early on, you may be able to control the growth of uterine tissue and keep your symptoms under control.

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Endometriosis Symptoms

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Endometriosis And Infertility

Infertility in women can arise for any number of reasons. Some are genetic whilst some will depend on the condition of the patient. One of these conditions could be endometriosis, divided into different levels according to severity, called endometriosis stages.

Endometriosis and infertility is a problem that occurs following the spread of the endometrial tissues within a patient. There are 4 endometriosis stages, the first being moderate and the fourth being severe. However, any stage could have the more intense set of symptoms. In some cases, women within the first, mild stage may be affected with severe symptoms, and conversely, women in the fourth, severe stage may not experience any symptoms at all.

A pelvic examination of the woman is the method used to determine the stages of endometriosis, usually following complaints of pelvic pain which may get worse during menses. This physical examination alone cannot determine which stage of endometriosis the patient has reached, but can be evaluated by laporoscopy and ultrasound tests.

Endometriosis and infertility can be defined as the development of painful adhesions, cysts and lesions. These symptoms are the result of endometrial cells and tissue, vacating the uterus and finding their way into other areas of the pelvic region. These are termed endometrial implants, with the location, size, and number defining the endometriosis severity.

These hormonal changes have a massive effect on the menses of women, making it difficult for blood to flow normally if these endometrial implants are encountered. The implants can be found inside organs, forming cysts, leading to adhesions and scarring, with the inevitable outcome of much pain and discomfort.

Endometriosis and infertility is unfortunately all too common in women, with severe pain and bleeding occurring during menses due to endometrial implants found in the Fallopian tubes, ovaries and in some cases the intestines. Other areas such as the vagina, lungs and brain can also be affected.

However, early diagnosis can be vital, and greatly increase the chances of becoming pregnant. Being aware of the symptoms and understanding your body are key to this early diagnosis.

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Causes Of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is largely a mystery. While it is true that scientists and doctors understand how the condition progresses, the symptoms it creates, and even how to treat it, the rationale behind its actual cause is not fully understood. In fact, it is true that there may be several potential causes of endometriosis. It is also possible that the cause of endometriosis may be a combination of several different factors or just one. Different people may develop endometriosis for different reasons. What can be ascertained from current information and research is that endometriosis is not even close to being fully understood.

When discussing the cause of endometriosis, it is important to realize that there may be many different causes. As scientists and researchers continue to unravel the double-helix of the human genome, it is becoming increasingly en vogue to attribute the cause of a myriad of conditions to genetic information. Heredity is a leading theory of the development of endometriosis. In fact, the chance of developing endometriosis increases for women when a close blood relative has also developed the disorder.

Another possible cause of endometriosis may be due to several environmental factors. It is understood that since environmental pollution is higher than it has ever been throughout human history that excess toxins may be responsible for a variety of health related conditions. It could be that mercury, lead, and other heavy metals in the air and water contribute to the onset of endometriosis.

Furthermore, there are a large number of potentially hazardous chemicals in the environment that may put the immune system in a weakened state. It is not surprising then, that another possible cause of endometriosis may be the failure of the immune system to adequately fight off hostile invaders. If you know anything about immunology you would understand that the immune system is constantly under attack. If endometriosis is caused by some kind of auto-immune reaction or a pathogenic organism, then the functionality of the immune system may hold the key to the condition. Therefore, it is important for women with endometriosis to keep their immune system functioning at top levels through maintaining a balanced diet and taking regular exercise.

It is also believed that an over production of estrogen may be the linked to endometriosis. Estrogen is a female hormone and since only females develop endometriosis, it may be the key to understanding this potentially severe and incurable condition. When hormones are out of balance the body is not properly regulated. This can lead to a host of problems. Hormone imbalances may be to blame for endometriosis as well as a variety of other conditions.

The causes of endometriosis may not be fully understood, however, the theories available seem to logically fit. It may be that all these factors work in conjunction with one another in some way or that one of these causes stands alone. Only time, solid research, and the evolution of medical understanding will provide the answers scientists so desperately seek.

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What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a potentially severe condition that involves improper development of the lining of the uterus in women. In this condition, the uterus lining actually develops on the outside of the uterus. This abnormal growth is not just a nuisance – it can be potentially dangerous and even deadly if not treated properly.

This condition is more common then most people may in fact believe. According to researchers and statisticians, approximately two to ten percent of women develop endometriosis during their lifetime. Endometriosis normally appears in women between the ages of 20 and 30; however, there are exceptions to this rule and some women develop the condition earlier or later in life.

When the tissue that makes up the lining of the uterus develops outside the uterus it can lead to significant health problems. First of all, due to the fact that tissue is pushing into areas of the body that are not set up to handle this sort of tissue growth, it can cause extensive pain and discomfort. Internal bleeding and damage to other organs is also possible due to this excessive tissue growth. Furthermore, many women who develop endometriosis go onto experience fertility problems – with an unfortunate few who will never be able to conceive, even with the focused help of reproductive specialists.

Like many other significant health problems, a true cause of endometriosis has yet to be discovered. Scientists have not as of yet been able to pinpoint exact the exact cause of endometriosis, although they have a number of theories. The links between these theories and hard biology are not fully understood, however, scientists hope to one day unravel the mystery behind endometriosis

One of the theories involves the over production of the female hormone estrogen. Another theory involves erratic stem cell production in the wall of the uterus.

While medical professionals rabidly discuss all theories it is thought also that there is a genetic link. Close female relatives of those stricken with endometriosis are more likely to develop the disorder.

As stated earlier, the most common symptom is pain during menstruation. Other symptoms include cramping, lower back pain, nausea, fatigue, infertility, painful sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and the development of cysts.

Endometriosis occurs in four distinct stages. The first stage is generally the most benign – the condition is just beginning in the ovaries. The second stage is mild and in addition to appearing in the ovaries, it appears on the pelvic lining. The third stage – or moderate stage is the steppingstone to the fourth and final stage where significant bodily injury is possible.

Endometriosis is not something to be taken lightly. If you suspect that you may have endometriosis you should immediately seek medical advice for a diagnosis. While there is no cure for the disease, it is possible to treat it through a variety of treatments.

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