Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a widespread condition in women that can be very painful. About 10% of Norwegian women have endometriosis. In short, endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This tissue is affected by changes in the hormones during the menstrual cycle and will bleed in the same way as the tissue in the uterus. The tissue may be inside solid tissue or on organs in the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms of endometriosis.

Many women have menstrual cramps. Endometriosis can aggravate these. Some women may also find it difficult to get pregnant. Symptoms of endometriosis may include feeling tired and unwell. Some people have sleep problems. How the woman experiences the pain varies. Some people are in pain all the time. Others have pain during menstruation, during bowel movements or during sex. Some women live with endometriosis without experiencing symptoms.

Examination for endometriosis.

The doctor will do a gynaecological examination. An ultrasound examination may be necessary to look for any other causes. By using keyholw surgery, so-called laparoscopy, the doctor can examine the tissue in the abdominal cavity. A laparoscopy allows the doctor to find the cause and at the same time treat the endometriosis there and then.

Treatment of endometriosis.

If you want to get pregnant in the near future, surgical treatment is often the best option. Birth control pills can also shrink the endometriosis area so that it bleeds less and is less painful.

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