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Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the womb responsible for menstruation is found outside the womb. Up to ten percent of women are affected with endometriosis.
The lining of the womb responds to menstrual hormones and causes ‘menstruation’ outside the womb. Over time, this will cause inflammation, tissue damage and scar formation (adhesions).
Endometriosis commonly affects the ovaries giving rise to ovarian cysts or endometrioma. It can also be found behind or within the womb, causing pelvic pain.
If you have endometriosis, you may have some of the following symptoms or be symptom-free.
Endometriosis can be suspected based on symptoms. Sometimes, endometriotic spots can be seen and felt during pelvic examination.
Pelvic ultrasound scan and blood tests may support the diagnosis.
To diagnose endometriosis conclusively, surgery is needed and a diagnostic laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is the gold standard.
Laparoscopy is a surgery done under general anaesthesia. It allows a detailed and magnified view inside the pelvis to indicate the locations, extent and size of endometriosis.
Surgical treatment of endometriosis can then be undertaken at the same setting during diagnostic laparoscopy.
Treatment of endometriosis is aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life.
Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can:
Sometimes open (conventional) surgery may be required.