Uterine inner lining tissue is shedding away from uterus causing monthly uterine bleeding. This particular tissue could grow elsewhere outside of uterus and still remain its characteristics of shedding every month. This misplaced tissue is often found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and outside of uterus. Also it could be found outside of intestine, bowel, bladder or on the surface of lining of pelvic cavity, peritoneum. These misplaced tissues are responding to hormonal changes, but they can not shed. This causes problems for some women. This condition is called endometriosis. Most women with endometriosis are aged between 25-35.
Pelvic pain and period pain are the most common symptoms for endometriosis. The pain depends on where the misplaced tissues are located. Deeper implants and implanted area with many pain sensing nerves may be more likely to produce pain. Implanted tissues may produce substances causing pain. Scars formed by implanted tissues could cause pain. Heavy and irregular period is also common symptom of endometriosis. Infertility is another common symptom resulted from endometriosis. The reason for decreased fertility caused by endometriosis is not completely understood. This could be anatomical or hormonal reasons. Misplace tissues cause adhesion and distort normal reproductive system anatomy. For example, it blocks tube affecting egg transportation. It may also affect hormone production causing imbalanced hormone affecting fertility. Misplaced tissue causes local inflammation altering environment of reproductive system.
Surgical treatment focuses on removal of endometrial tissues; medications using birth control pills focuses on regain hormonal balance. Apart from conventional treatment, acupuncture is a new trend to treat endometriosis. Acupuncture reduces pain by its analgesic effect. Acupuncture improves heavy bleeding. Acupuncture also improves fertility for women with endometriosis by reducing local inflammation and restoring hormone balance. Dietary changes by avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol consumptions may be recommended. Borage oil or evening primrose oil, vitamine Bs, and vitamin E may be helpful. Regular exercises increase the general well-being in women with endometriosis.
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