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Endometrosis


Endo is found in 20- 50% of women with infertility.

    The presence of tissue that normally grows inside the uterus (womb) in an abnormal anatomical location is Endometriosis. It is very common and may not produce symptoms, or it may lead to painful menstruation. It has also been associated with infertility. Endometriosis occurs most commonly within the Fallopian tubes and on the outside of the tubes and ovaries, the outer surface of the uterus and intestines, and anywhere on the surface of the pelvic cavity. It can also be found, less often, on the surface of the liver, in old surgery scars or, very rarely, in the lung or brain.

    It is a condition of fertile age. The condition is rare before Menarche and after Menopause. The frequency of Endo increases from menarche to menopause. A most immediate issue in a young woman is pain and the physician need to make the diagnose and manage the symptoms. Laparoscopy remains a gold standard for establishing the diagnosis. NMR and TVS are also used for diagnosis with nearly 80% accuracy. In general population the prevalence is 3-6%. It is about more in the reproductive age group. Prevalence increases in the 25 to 35 yrs age . It is found in 20- 50% of women with infertility. It is estimated that incidence of endo is on rise. This is due to life style factors like

    • Lowering of age of menarche
    • Late marriage
    • Late child bearing
    • Less no of children or pregnancies
    • Duration of breast feed
    • All these factors lead to more no of menstrual cycles and more susceptibility to Endo

    Risk of Endo is higher in women whose mother or sisters have disease. They are found to be 3-9 times more at risk than the population whose first degree siblings are disease free. Risk of Endo cysts is alleviated by intake of vegetable saturated or unsaturated fate. Similarly beef and red meat increases the risk of Endo. However, intake of green vegetables and fruit lower the risk of Endo. A no of factors is to be taken into account when formulating the management plan of infertility-----Age, Duration of Infertility, family history Pelvic pain , coexisting infertility diagnosis, no of prior fertility treatment cycles, stage of endometrosis, and cost. IVF is recommended as effective treatment of infertility. Medical treatment may un necessary delay the time for pregnancy. Surgery is not necessary before IVF treatment. It carries a substantial economic burden. The following are the treatment options: Non steroidal anti inflammatory for treatment of dysmenorrhea.

    • Medical treatment is less expensive and non invasive should be a first line of treatment
    • Surgical
    • Surgery followed by medical treatment is more effective an d recurrence is delayed.
    • Recurrence in 31% cases is reported.
    • In case of infertility IVF without much loss of time is warranted.
    Endo effects the pregnancy out come in following ways:
    • Preterm birth
    • Preeclampsia
    • Ante partum hemorrhage