Endometriosis

Angela Hewitt
English Comp. I Monday and Wednesday 10:00am to 11:15am
Mrs. McCoy
Due: March 7, 2011

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells similar to those found inside the uterus on other areas of the body, such as the ovaries and the bowel.   They call these cells implants.   They also can be found on the fallopian tubes, the outer walls of the uterus, the intestines, and other areas of the belly.   Endometriosis is also a chronic disease which means long lasting.     Endometriosis can be very painful.   It isn’t dangerous and usually isn’t fatal.   Many women find out they have this when they are ready to have children and are having problems conceiving.(www.WebMD.com)
There are no exact causes of endometriosis, but some experts believe that the immune system might have something to do with it.   Usually the immune system destroys the endometrial cells outside of the uterus, but women with endometriosis may have a weak immune system.(www.WebMD.com)
There are many symptoms of endometriosis.   These symptoms are usually the worse right before the menstrual cycle begins and during the menstrual cycle.   Pain is the biggest symptom.   The women have severe menstrual cramping, pelvic pain, lower back aches, pain during intercourse, rectal pain and pain during a bowel movement.   Infertility is also another symptom.   20% to 40% of women who are infertile have this disease.   There is also abnormal bleeding, there can be blood in the urine and stool, some vaginal bleeding before the start of the menstrual cycle or bleeding after intercourse.   These symptoms seem to go away during pregnancy and after menopause.(www.WebMD.com)
There are several different ways to check for endometriosis, there is a pelvic exam and a rectal exam to feel if there are any lesions there,   doing a transvaginal ultrasound to see if there are any ovarian endometrioma cysts on the ovaries.   The only true diagnosis though is having a laparoscopy.   This is a surgical... [continues]

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