Friday, November 6, 2009

Get Prompt Treatment For Endometriosis Cysts

By Amanda Clark

Nearly five million American women suffer from a condition known as endometriosis. This disease results when uterine tissue, which usually is sloughed off during the menstrual period, instead migrates to other parts of the reproductive system, often causing extreme pain and developing into endometriosis cysts.

The causes of endometriosis are not well understood, although the most recent research seems to indicate that genetics plays a big role in the condition. Women whose mothers, sisters, or other close female relatives have endometriosis are seven times more likely to develop the condition themselves. Other signs of susceptibility to endometriosis include starting periods at an early age and having heavy periods or periods longer than seven days.

Additional symptoms can include agonizing menstrual cramps, chronic pain in the pelvic area, pain during and after sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements or urination during periods and spotting or bleeding between periods. The good news is that endometriosis cysts are rarely found in parts of the body outside the reproductive system, such as the lungs. However, because the female reproductive system lies so close to the bowels and bladder, cysts sometimes can be found in these locations.

Fortunately, endometriosis cysts are typically benign or non-cancerous and usually are confined to parts of the female reproductive system. Sometimes they can be found on a woman's bladder or bowels, since the reproductive system lies so close to the excretion organs. Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for endometriosis, only treatments. Choices of treatment for endometriosis typically depend on whether a woman intends to give birth to more children. Sometimes taking certain hormones reduces the tissue growth associated with endometriosis, and analgesic medications can relieve the pain.

Sometimes endometriosis will respond to treatment with certain hormones. Women also can take over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to deal with monthly pain. However, there is no medical way to eliminate endometriosis; it has no cure.

See your gynecologist immediately if you're suffering from symptoms that resemble endometriosis. Only your physician can diagnose your illness properly and recommend the right treatment.

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