Endometriosis

The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and builds up and sheds each month in the menstrual cycle is known as the endometrium. In endometriosis, some of this tissue has spread elsewhere, such as the ovaries, or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis can cause pain, infertility, and other problems. 

Endometriosis is a puzzling disease affecting 5 million women worldwide in their reproductive years. Among gynecologic disorders, endometriosis is second only to leiomyomata in frequency and accounts for 25% of all laparotomies performed by gynecologists. 

Although endometriosis attacks the reproductive system, it can spread throughout the body including the lungs and even the brain. The most common location of endometrial growth is in the abdomen; involving the ligaments supporting the uterus, the area between the vagina and the rectum, the outer surface of the uterus, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. 

Endometrial growths are generally not malignant or cancerous; they are a normal type of tissue outside the normal location. Like the lining of the uterus, endometrial growths usually respond to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. They build up tissue each month, break down, causing bleeding, degeneration of the blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue. 

Women with endometriosis have higher rates of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Also, women with endometriosis are often advised not to postpone pregnancy because pregnancy often causes remission of symptoms. There are family links in endometriosis, increasing the risk of endometriosis and related health problems in the children of women with the disease.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain before and during periods, during or after intercourse, infertility, and heavy or irregular bleeding. Other symptoms may include fatigue; painful bowel movements with periods; lower back pain with periods; diarrhea and/or constipation and other intestinal upset with periods.

Although women with Endometriosis experience symptoms, many women with this disease have no symptoms. Also, some women with advanced-stages have had no much pain, and some with minimal disease are incapacitated by pain.

There is no proven prevention for endometriosis. If you're battling endometriosis, various authorities suggest avoiding alcohol, caffeine, whole-milk dairy products, eggs, fried foods, red meat, salt and sugar. Some women with endometriosis who successfully become pregnant find that they are free of the disease afterwards.

The cause of endometriosis is not known. There are a number of theories about the causes of endometriosis but no one of them seems to account for all cases. In some instances more than one theory may apply to a patient diagnosed with endometriosis.

One theory is believed that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen, and grows into lesions, which may continue to grow and spread after implantation. Endometriosis has also developed in scars such as episiotomies and Caesarean sections. Women with longer, heavier menstrual cycles with an immune system problem and/or hormonal problem allows this tissue to take root for developing the disease providing this theory is conclusive.

The metaplasia theory assumes that cells are transformed by exposure to hormones or infection. This theory may explain lesions forming in odd locations and becoming present in women who suffer from lack of or suppression of menstruation.

Another theory suggests that the endometrial tissue is distributed from the uterus to other parts of the body through blood vessels or lymphatic system or by contamination of a surgical incision such as a C-section or episiotomy. A genetic theory suggests that it may be carried in the genes of certain families or that certain families may have predisposing factors to endometriosis. It may explain how women who have endometriosis present in the lung or heart were also diagnosed with endometriosis in their pelvic lymph nodes.

Endometrial cells will relocate to cells with lack of or no immunity causing the lesions of endometriosis to form. Surgical transplantation has also been cited as a cause in cases where endometriosis is found in abdominal surgery scars, although it has also been found in such scars when direct accidental implantation seems unlikely.

Estimates of the numbers of women who suffer from endometriosis vary wildly. Some put the figure at 15% of women in their reproductive years. 10% is a more common guess. 
Nearly 90 million women worldwide has been proposed as a conservative figure. The fact is that there is no way to establish accurate figures because the only way to confirm a diagnosis is by a surgical procedure known as laporoscopy.

Eliminate all forms of caffeine from the diet permanently. Restrict caffeine and sugars and alcohols salts, acid forming foods such as red meats and dairy products to prevent estrogen production. Avoid chocolates and concentrate on vegetables and fresh fruits.

Effective douches of garlic and mineral water as well as reflexology are some home care remedies that doctors suggest. Get mild exercises early morning this also helps.

Remember before you opt for surgery or any drastic treatment decision it is better to concentrate on therapies that would help reduce stress. Stress reduction is very effective and helps the body to relax and this is very helpful treatment for the body.