What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that is estimated to affect from 2% to 10% of women's health. This condition occurs when cells from the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) become implanted outside of the uterus. These cells then respond to monthly hormonal changes just the same as the endometrium does. Many women may have this condition but show no symptoms.

The endometriosis implant cells may attach themselves to the ovaries, uterine ligaments, intestine outer wall. Occasionally the cells may attach to the bladder, appendix, vagina, cervix, or even the lungs. Sites can be diverse and often have multiple implant sites, which can affect a woman's over all health.

When there is enough blood supply these Endometriosis cells grow, then break down, and bleed with the menstrual cycle. The bleeding triggers pain and inflammation in the nearby tissue and may lead to fibrosis,and scarring.

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

The symptoms may affect women's health in many different ways.
Symptoms may include:


• Infertility
  
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
  
• Pain When Having a Bowel Movement
  
• Severe Pelvic Pain and / or Back-ache that Occurs at the beginning of Menstrual Period
  
• Constipation
  
• Pain with Intercourse etc.
  

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Endometriosis requires a doctor to perform a pelvic exam using laparoscopy. With out using a laparoscope to view the implants the doctor must rely on the symptoms which can indicate other ailments.

If you are concerned about a possible diagnosis of Endometriosis please consult your women's health care professional. Once a diagnosis is made then check into all your available options including alternative care for endometriosis.

What are Treatments for Endometriosis?

There is help for Endometriosis!
Treatments range from full medical treatment suppressing ovulation and hence the menstrual cycle with estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives. Surgical treatments may include laparoscopic removal of the implants to more severe total hysterectomy if fertility is no longer of importance.

Shelley Ross has written an E book detailing non-medical, natural alternative treatments that rely on diet and exercise to help reduce the symptoms od endometriosis in less severe cases. If you have been diagnosed with Endometriosis and you wish to explore alternative therapy first, then read Treating Your Endometriosis by Shelly Ross.

Unfortunately this disease can be quite crippling along with the lack of understanding from friends and partiners. A woman's health is a delicate balance. Information is the key to keep your health in balance. Before having invaisive surgery isn't it worth considering changing a few things in your diet and exercise programs. At best it may decrease your symptoms to a much more manageable level, and you could easily postpone surgery.

Every case is unique but it is worth taking the time to read Shelley's E book. It is quickly downloaded and you could start putting it to practice today, and gain some much needed relief.

Click on Treating Your Endometriosis by Shelley Ross to start getting your life back.

The following article will help you identify the symptoms of endometriosis.

Endometriosis Common 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.

To learn more about how to treat Endometriosis please visit the following site:
Treating Your Endometriosis