Maksudnya Endometriosis Pak. Berikut artikelnya, semoga berguna. Mamanya Dafi
What is endometriosis? The uterus is lined with tissue called the endometrium, which normally grows only inside the uterus. But sometimes it grows outside the uterus or in the reproductive organs (ovaries, Fallopian tubes) or in the intestines, rectum, or bladder instead. This condition is called endometriosis. Endometrial tissue is part of the uterine lining, and it bleeds during menstruation. But while the uterine lining is expelled during menstruation through the vagina, blood from endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus has no place to go. As a result, monthly bleeding in this tissue leads to the growth of cysts, lesions, and scar tissue and causes the surrounding area to thicken. Some women have little or no discomfort from endometriosis, but others experience great pain before and/or during their menstrual cycle. Doctors evaluate endometriosis using a point system based on the number and size of growths found during a laparoscopy. There are four classifications: minimal (1-5 points), mild (6-15 points), moderate (16-40 points), and severe (more than 40 points). How does it occur? Experts estimate that endometriosis affects 5.5 million women across a broad age range in North America and millions more worldwide. Yet no single theory explains why some women develop the condition. Some experts suggest that during menstruation, endometrial tissue "backs up" through the Fallopian tubes and then settles — and grows — in the abdomen. However, others believe that all women experience menstrual tissue back up. In most cases, the immune system automatically destroys abnormal tissue before it attaches in the abdomen. If the immune system is unable to get rid of the misplaced tissue, however, endometriosis develops. Another theory is that remnants of a woman's own embryonic tissue that formed while she was in her mother's womb may develop into endometriosis during adulthood or may transform into reproductive tissue under certain circumstances. What are the symptoms? Some women have no symptoms. Others may experience one or more warning signs that can range from mild to severe. (One study found about 45 percent of women have painful periods while 37 percent complain of painful intercourse.) Common symptoms include: • Heavy or abnormal menstrual flow • Very painful menstrual cramps • Painful sexual intercourse • Premenstrual spotting or staining • Difficulty becoming pregnant • Pelvic, back, or side pain before or during menstruation • Painful bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, or other intestinal upsets during menstruation • Painful or frequent urination during menstruation How is it diagnosed? A doctor can evaluate your symptoms by discussing your medical history and performing a pelvic exam to check for cysts, unusual tenderness, or a thickening of the pelvic area. An ultrasound may also be used to evaluate the pelvis. However, you'll need a one-day surgical procedure called a laparoscopy to get a firm diagnosis of endometriosis. After giving you an anesthetic (usually a general anesthetic) a surgeon will insert a small tube with a light in it (a laparoscope) into a small cut near your navel. The surgeon fills your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to make the organs easier to see and then checks the size, location, and number of endometrial growths. Sometimes it's necessary to remove a piece of tissue (a biopsy) to reach a diagnosis. Because endometriosis treatment cannot begin without a definite diagnosis, you must have a laparoscopy to confirm the condition. How is it treated? Although no certain cure exists, there are several options for treating endometriosis. The therapy you choose depends on the severity of symptoms, the location and size of endometrial growths, and your plans for childbearing. Age is also a factor, since symptoms intensify as you grow older. After menopause, however, they usually subside. Treatment options if you're trying to get pregnant Women who have minimal or mild endometriosis usually have a 65 percent chance of getting pregnant within two years of completing therapy. Those with moderate or severe endometriosis have a 30 to 35 percent chance of conceiving within two years of treatment. One option is for a surgeon to remove abnormal growths and tissue during the laparoscopy, which is a relatively simple procedure using a laser or surgical tool. Approximately 40 percent of women are able to conceive after having a laparoscopy. Pregnancy rates are highest within a year of surgery, since endometriosis commonly recurs in spite of the operation. For women who have a mild case of endometriosis and are trying to become pregnant, doctors may suggest no treatment for six to 12 months. If conception does not occur during that time, other treatments, such as the following options, may be necessary. Another surgical tool for removing endometriosis is called a harmonic scalpel. This surgical tool converts very high frequency soundwaves into thermal energy to remove endometrial tissue. Surgeons using this device may have more control when working on the affected area than they have using a laser or traditional scalpel. A nonsurgical treatment for infertility uses hormone-controlling drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. These drugs mimic the hormonal changes that take place during menopause. The lowered levels of estrogen allow the endometriosis to shrink and symptoms to lessen. However, GnRH agonists are expensive and often produce menopause-like side effects including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and loss of bone density. Because of immediate and long-term side effects, doctors usually prescribe treatments that last six months or less. Research shows that patients with mild endometriosis are most fertile within the first month after therapy stops. Over the next two years, the chances of conception slowly decrease. For women with more severe endometriosis, conception most often occurs six months after therapy stops, and decreases there after. For severe cases a longer healing process is required before conception can happen. Treatment options if you're not trying to get pregnant If you aren't trying to have a baby and your symptoms are mild to moderate you'll need regular checkups to monitor the condition but no medical treatment. It's likely that endometriosis will disappear when ovulation and menstruation stop after menopause. If you suffer only mild pain before or during your period and infertility is not a factor, over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough to relieve discomfort. A nonsurgical option for managing symptoms of endometriosis is to control hormone stimulation with birth control pills, progesterone pills, or other drugs. These treatments block ovulation, so both the uterine lining and the endometrium stop bleeding each month. This in turn prevents the build up of new cysts, scar tissue, and swelling outside the uterus. Drug therapies can also help your body heal the existing endometriosis. Women trying to conceive can't take these drugs since they may be harmful to a fetus. If your endometriosis is severe, your doctor may suggest surgically removing the affected organs such as Fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterus. If your uterus is removed, you can never become pregnant. How long will the effects last? All the current treatments offer a degree of relief from endometriosis symptoms, but none provides a cure. Even after hormone therapy or surgery, endometriosis may recur or progress. How can I ease my symptoms? For three months, record your symptoms on a calendar. Make note of the problems, as well as how they impact your work and leisure activities. Sharing this information with your doctor will help you get a speedy, accurate diagnosis. Here are some suggestions for easing your pain: • Rest on a comfortable couch or in bed when pain strikes • Take warm baths • Put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen • Avoid constipation by increasing the fiber in your diet • Practice relaxation exercises like yoga, deep breathing, and visualization • Ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter pain medication • Join a local chapter of the Endometriosis Association, a support group run by women with endometriosis What can be done to help prevent endometriosis? A variety of treatments can help control symptoms of endometriosis, but nothing can prevent or cure it. --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Dear All __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.yahoo.com/ >> Kirim bunga ke kota2 di Indonesia dan mancanegara? Klik, http://www.indokado.com/ >> Info balita, http://www.balita-anda.indoglobal.com Stop berlangganan, e-mail ke: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
