Endometriosis is a condition where the tissues lining your uterus are displaced to other areas of your body, especially around the pelvic area.

Why Does This Happen?

Endometriosis is most common among women in the age group of 25 to 40 years. Here is why you could have endometriosis.

Genetic Traits
If your mother had endometriosis, then there is a possibility that you could also have it.

Due to Laparoscopy
If you have had a laparoscopy examination on the 6th or 7th day of your menstrual cycle, the tissue could be misplaced during insertion of the laparoscope.

C-section
After delivery, the tissues might be displaced while the area is being cleaned. Endometriosis could also happen without any specific medical or physical reason.

How to Know?

Remember, you don't need to have all the symptoms to have endometriosis. Alert your doctor if you find any of these symptoms.

• Painful periods
• Irregular periods
• Pain during sex
• Infertility
• Pain in the lower abdomen between periods
• Heavy menstrual flow

Testing and Treatment

If you have experienced any of the common symptoms, your gynaecologist will ask you to get one or more of these tests done to confirm if you have Endometriosis or not.

• Sonogram
• Laparoscopy test
• Blood Test (CA- 125 test)

In the early stages of the condition, Laparoscopy is usually recommended to burn the misplaced tissues.

Another option is hormone therapy. This involves an intake of hormones, as per the severity of the condition.

If the condition is serious, then you might be advised the sandwich therapy. This therapy uses medicine and surgery alternatively to reduce the spots where the tissues are misplaced.

Risks Involved

Remember, serious cases of endometriosis could cause infertility. Apart from that, it could also increase the chances of growth of fibroids in your uterus. So visit your gynaecologist immediately and get yourself checked for any symptoms that you experience.

(With inputs from Mumbai based Gynaecologist, Dr. Reshma Rafi)