Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
Types of Endometriosis:-
There are four different types of endometriosis and it’s possible to have more than one type.
Peritoneal (superficial) endometriosis - is found mainly on the pelvic peritoneum – a thin film that lines the inner surface of the pelvis and surrounds the pelvic organs.
Ovarian endometriosis (endometrioma) – is when endometriosis cysts are found in the ovaries.
Deep endometriosis - is found in locations such as the bladder, bowel and recto-vaginal septum (tissue separating the vagina and the rectum). The lesions of endometriosis are at a deeper level than peritoneal (superficial) endometriosis.
Extra-pelvic endometriosis - is when endometriosis is found outside of the pelvis, such as the thorax (chest) and caesarean scars.
A related condition is adenomyosis, where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow within the muscle of the womb wall. Adenomyosis also responds to the hormones in the menstrual cycle and affects 10% of women and those assigned female at birth. You can have only endometriosis or adenomyosis, although it’s quite common to have both.
Endometriosis Symptoms:-
Symptoms vary from person to person, some may have severe and debilitating symptoms, others may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms are not always related to the location, amount or the type of endometriosis. It’s also important to know that endometriosis symptoms can also be symptoms of other health conditions. We recommend that you speak to a doctor if your symptoms are interfering with day-to-day life.
The most common endometriosis symptoms:-
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods that interfere with everyday life
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain during or after sex
- Painful bowel movements
- Pain when urinating
- Difficulty getting pregnant – up to 70% of those with endometriosis will be able to get pregnant naturally
- Fatigue, with one or more of the above symptoms
It is important to remember that endometriosis can also be symptoms of other health conditions. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, it is not contagious, and most importantly, it is not cancer.
Getting an endometriosis diagnosis:-
Getting diagnosed with endometriosis may take some time. The symptoms of endometriosis are very similar to other common conditions. It's important to share as much information with your doctor as possible.
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is by a laparoscopy - an operation in which a camera is inserted into the pelvis via a small cut near the navel. The surgeon uses the camera to see the pelvic organs and look for any signs of endometriosis. If endometriosis is diagnosed, the endometriosis may be treated or removed for further examination during the laparoscopy.
Scans, blood tests and internal examinations are not a conclusive way to diagnose endometriosis, and a normal scan, blood test and internal examination does not mean that you do not have endometriosis.
Because endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways and shares symptoms with other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed.
Many private medical insurance providers will offer some cover towards the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Endometriosis also not only affects the body physically, it can also take a toll on your health mentally. Private medical insurance and group life assurance providers offer an EAP and mental health support under their policies as an additional benefit which runs alongside the insurance itself, showing that insurers are not just there to pay claims but can offer day to day support. Please get in touch with us to find out more.
