Nearly 176 million women worldwide are affected by endometriosis, a painful condition resulting in scarring and infertility.
Here are some facts about endometriosis:
– Approximately 10 percent of all women are affected by the condition, generally during their child-bearing years. More women could be affected and not know they have the condition because of lack of symptoms. Nearly 1 million women are affected in the U.S.
– Endometriosis is the presence of tissue similar to uterus lining that can be found throughout the body. Most typically, the tissue will present on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, and rectal-vagina septum.
– Patients are generally affecting during the reproductive years, most significantly between the ages of 25 and 35 years old. Girls as young as 11 years old have been diagnosed.
– The disease is more common in Caucasian women; less common in African American and Asian women.
– Pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle is the most common symptom, although it can occur at any time. Lower back pain, diarrhea, cramping, blood in urine and irregular/heavy bleeding during menstruation also are common symptoms.
– Symptoms can be debilitating and affect other areas of life.
– Up to 40 percent of all victims are unable to have children.
– The disease creates scar tissue and other adhesions that distort the internal female anatomy.
– Women diagnosed with endometriosis have a slightly elevated risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Women diagnosed while taking oral contraceptives have a slightly higher risk.
Diagnosis generally can be achieved by a physician performing a vaginal/rectal digital exam to detect the presence of nodules. An ultrasound and laparoscopy are also helpful in completing a diagnosis. Treatment is generally through use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or Aleve, although surgery can be an option for the more serious cases.
Researchers also are investigating use of hormonal therapy to reduce the size of lesions by suppressing estrogen production in the body. The resulting side-effects mimic menopause, but pass when treatment stops.