When endometrial tissue is found in locations other than the lining of the uterus, the resulting condition is called endometriosis. These locations can occur typically in the pelvic area, on the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder and the lining of the pelvis, all outside the uterus. The implants can also occur in a variety of other locations too, including the lung, renal system, the diaphragm, the skin and the liver.
It affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide. The symptoms associated with endometriosis are: dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps), pelvic pain, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), infertility, heavy or irregular bleeding, nausea at the time of menses, diarrhoea and/or painful bowel movements, dizziness, headaches with menses, fatigue, low-grade fever and low resistance to infection.
The following account is taken from the blog of a lady who suffered infertility due to endometriosis:
“Four months later I am better. In fact I almost feel like I am 15 again. I remember being a teen and always so nervous about when your period was going to come. I literally feel no cramping leading up to the start of my menstruation. I have gone from blinding pain where I thought I would pass out....to nothing! Since I chart my cycle every month I know my period follows 13 days after I pinpoint my peak (ovulation)... so I am prepared.
Her blog can be followed on: http://survivingendometriosis.blogspot.com/
The information obtained from a clinical history, physical examination and other non surgical attempts to diagnose endometriosis fail to achieve a correct diagnosis. Endometriosis is a surgical disease. Medical treatment may offer temporary relief of pain and symptoms, however there is no medical regime that can be used successfully in the treatment of endometriosis- associated fertility. The inflammatory toxins released by the endometrial lesions affect fertility. In order to improve fertility the endometriosis must be removed.
Laparoscopy is the “gold standard” for diagnosis of the condition. At the time of the laparoscopy, histological assessment confirms the diagnosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy requires a “near-contact” technique which is explained in medical detail in “The Medical & Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY®” text book written by Dr Thomas Hilgers. http://www.naprotechnology.com/naprotext.htm
It is also explained in the book for all readers, by Dr Hilgers: "The NaProTechnology® Revolution".
http://www.unleashingthepower.info/
The surgeon performing the laparoscopy should have a thorough understanding of endometriosis and the appropriate skills to perform the procedure successfully.