Endometriosis is a condition in which microscopic patches of the uterine lining, or endometrium, are found throughout the fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvis during menstruation.
While the cause is still unknown, it is thought to be an auto-immune response, resulting in the body forming antibodiesA protein immunoglobulin which is produced naturally by the body and is essential to the immune system by working to combat foreign bodies, germs or bacteria. They are produced by thelymphoid tissue and consist of different classes each of which is designed to fight specific antigens. They include agglutinins, bacteriolysins, opsonins and preciptin.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. to the endometrial tissue. Endometriosis can result in reduced fertility, and is the cause of repeated miscarriages when conception does occur.
The symptoms of endometriosis include very painful menstrual periods, or dysmenorrhea. If you are suffering from dysmenorrhea and are having trouble conceiving, your doctor will examine you for signs of endometriosis.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
If you have endometriosis, there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy. This is probably caused by the fertilized egg implanting into the endometrial material found outside of the uterus. Once pregnant, the condition goes into remission because the menstrual cycles are halted during pregnancy. Often the condition does not recur after delivery, with visible signs diminishing and the pain stopping completely.
Women who have endometriosis will need to be under the care of an obstetrician for the duration of the pregnancy. If you are under the age of thirty five and otherwise low risk your pregnancy should only require additional monitoring, with monthly prenatal visits starting around week sixteen. Your obstetrician will ask you to be alert for unusual pains, bladder and bowel problems and any symptoms that may indicate the presence of an ectopic pregnancy.
Pregnancy to full term is more difficult if you have endometriosis, and there may be complications during labor and delivery. Your obstetrician will monitor your pregnancy closely in preparation for labor.
Endometriosis cannot be treated through the use of fertility drugs. If you have endometriosis your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgeryA term used to describe the examination of the abdominal cavity through a small incision in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope is used to view the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and can also serve as a gynecologic sterilization technique for oviduct fertilization. It is also called an abdominoscopy.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., which will be used to remove all signs of the condition.
Successful conception after surgery occurs within thirty six weeks in almost seventy five percent (3 in 4) women under the age of forty. If you are unable to conceive after surgical treatment, you will be asked to consider assisted reproductive technologies, or ART, even if there are no signs of tubal obstruction. Some experts recommend using ART instead of surgery in many cases.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
