Pelvic Pain / Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus is found in other areas around the body. It is most commonly found in the pelvis, and has the potential to affect reproductive organs. The cause of the condition is not yet known. However, the most prevalent theory is that during a woman’s menstrual cycle, tissue travels backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis, where it proceeds to attach and grow.
Endometriosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological diseases, affecting more than 10% of Australian women. Symptoms generally start in teenage years, and vary greatly from person to person, making it often difficult to diagnose. The condition has the potential to affect one’s fertility, and can inhibit day to day activities due to the level of pain and discomfort experienced. Endometriosis is diagnosed by diagnostic laparoscopy ( key- hole surgery to examine the pelvic organs) While endometriosis can be well-managed, there is no known cure at this stage
The key symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is often associated with menstrual periods. For this reason, it is too often dismissed without further investigation. While a mild degree of cramping or discomfort is common, pain that is worse and potentially increasing with each period could stem from undiagnosed endometriosis.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Painful periods – beyond that of minor cramping and discomfort
- Pain in your abdomen and lower back
- Pain during or following sex
- Pain when going to the toilet
- Difficulty falling pregnant
- Heavy bleeding during or between periods
If you or someone you know is displaying any of the above symptoms, it is important that you contact Nurture Women’s Care as soon as possible.
For more information about Endometriosis, visit RANZCOG’s patient leaflet.
- Pelvic Pain / Endometriosis
-
Pelvic Pain / Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus is found in other areas around the body. It is most commonly found in the pelvis, and has the potential to affect reproductive organs. The cause of the condition is not yet known. However, the most prevalent theory is that during a woman’s menstrual cycle, tissue travels backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis, where it proceeds to attach and grow.
Endometriosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological diseases, affecting more than 10% of Australian women. Symptoms generally start in teenage years, and vary greatly from person to person, making it often difficult to diagnose. The condition has the potential to affect one’s fertility, and can inhibit day to day activities due to the level of pain and discomfort experienced. Endometriosis is diagnosed by diagnostic laparoscopy ( key- hole surgery to examine the pelvic organs) While endometriosis can be well-managed, there is no known cure at this stage
The key symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is often associated with menstrual periods. For this reason, it is too often dismissed without further investigation. While a mild degree of cramping or discomfort is common, pain that is worse and potentially increasing with each period could stem from undiagnosed endometriosis.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Painful periods – beyond that of minor cramping and discomfort
- Pain in your abdomen and lower back
- Pain during or following sex
- Pain when going to the toilet
- Difficulty falling pregnant
- Heavy bleeding during or between periods
If you or someone you know is displaying any of the above symptoms, it is important that you contact Nurture Women’s Care as soon as possible.
For more information about Endometriosis, visit RANZCOG’s patient leaflet.