Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue (named “endometrium”), that is normally lining the womb, grows outside the womb and attaches to other organs. Mostly organs in the pelvic area including ovaries, outer surface of womb, bowels, and bladders, are affected; but endometriosis has also been found in the lungs, the brain and even on arms and thighs. The condition afflicts over 70 million women and girls throughout the world, knowing no racial or socio-economic barriers, and affecting women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause.
During the menstrual cycle the thickness of the endometrium increases in readiness for the fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur the lining is shed as a 'period'. Similarly, in each menstrual cycle, endometrium that grows outside of the womb, is also built up and then breaks down and bleeds in the same way as the lining of the womb. Such internal bleeding may lead to inflammation, pain, and formation of scar tissues in organs outside of the womb.
Endometriosis is not an infection, not contagious, and not cancer either. Of the theories, the most widely accepted is retrograde menstruation. According to this theory some of the menstrual blood flows backwards down into the pelvis.
The considerations about what type of treatment should depend on age, severity of the symptoms, desire to have children, and severity of the condition. Painkillers, like aspirin, may help relieving the pain. Hormonal treatment designed to interfere with ovulation generally provides effective pain relief, but the recurrence rate following cessation of therapy is high, and this type of treatment will contradict with the woman’s pregnancy. Surgical treatment provides pain relief, improves pregnancy rates, and is the preferred initial treatment for infertility caused by endometriosis. Removal of the womb, ovaries, and all growths is a radical surgery for patients with intractable pain, if childbearing is no longer desired. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal therapy, and nutrition have not been clinically proven to treat endometriosis. However, many women do have improvement of their symptoms whilst using such therapies. It is probably wise to seek help from a qualified practitioner and not self medicate.