Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a very unique and peculiar condition whereby tissue similar to the lining of the uterus occurs outside of the uterus. That means that there is internal bleeding when there is a period, causing the woman to have a lot of pain.
Endometriosis has a notorious reputation of being diagnosed late. In the UK, it is reported to take an average of 8 years for women to get a diagnosis of Endometriosis from when they see a doctor about their symptoms for the very first time.
Every patient’s experience of the condition is unique. Here is a true account from a sufferer’s perspective.
- Painful Periods
- Heavy Periods
- Painful Sex
- Pain on opening bowels during periods
- Shooting pain in the back passage during periods
- Pain on bladder filling or emptying during periods
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Bloating
- Feeling tired all the time
Pelvic Ultrasound Scan – Useful to see if there was Endometriosis in the Ovaries
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Can usually tell if there was Adenomyosis and frequently used by specialists who are planning surgery for women with Endometriosis
Kidney Ultrasound Scan – Used when women have Severe Endometriosis to check if the Kidneys has been affected
Laparoscopy – This is an operation under General Anaesthetic, but it is the only true reliable way to tell if someone has Endometriosis, hence frequently referred to as the ‘Gold Standard for diagnosing Endometriosis’.
1. Do Nothing
2. Hormones
3. Conservative Surgery
4. Hysterectomy
Yes. 50% of women who had surgery for Endometriosis will come back for more surgery within 5 years. It is therefore important to recognise that just because someone has had surgery before, it doesn’t mean they will never have the problem again. However, it is less likely to be a problem after menopause or after having had a hysterectomy, although not impossible.
If you think you have the symptoms of Endometriosis, first see a GP and discuss your concerns and seek initial treatment. If you do not feel you are adequately treated, request to be referred to a Gynaecologist or an Endometriosis Specialist for further opinion.
The charity, Endometriosis UK, provides excellent support and useful reliable information. Many women also find it helpful to join an independent support group. Locally, we have the Endometriosis UK Herts & Beds Support Group on facebook.
Endometriosis Specialists are Gynaecologist who have a specialised expertise in Endometriosis and Keyhole Surgery. In addition to general gynaecology, we spend an extended amount of time helping women with all forms of Endometriosis, including offering the more complex forms of surgery.
Although many women would prefer to see an Endometriosis Specialist from the first time they see a Gynaecologist for their problem, there are not many of us around in the country so it is more likely that a general gynaecologist is the next port of call after seeing a GP. If there was indeed endometriosis confirmed to be rather complex, the gynaecologist will help refer them along to a suitable Endometriosis Specialist.
Please be aware that each of these are a lengthy chapter in their own right so it is impossible to cover everything here. Every woman is unique and what is described here may not represent your individual case. It is important to see a doctor to discuss your individual case in addition to taking on the information from here.
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