Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis?
The development of a lesion of uterine
lining tissue outside the uterus.
This tissue can be found on the outside
of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries,
the bowels or any other abdominal
organ but rarely spread to other parts
of the body.
Endometriosis is not always dangerous.
Causes
The Ovaries produce a stimulating
hormone that aids in the growth of
the uterine lining. This hormone
migrates out of the uterus. It does
not shed like the lining of the
uterus. As a result the hormone
grows and can lead to
endometriosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Abnormal Bleeding
After Sex
In between periods
Blood in urine or stool
Pain
Lower back
Lower Abdomen
Vagina
Anus
Trouble getting pregnant
How is it Diagnosed?
Tests
Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Treatment
Treatment of Endometriosis often depends on
the severity of that individuals case and if
the plan on becoming pregnant.
Many are prescribed hormone therapy to
lower the body’s amount of estrogen which
will help shrink the growths caused by
endometriosis.
If the patient wishes to become pregnant,
surgery, hormone therapy and infertility
treatment may be necessary.
Fertility
Endometriosis does not always cause
fertility but it decreases your chances of
becoming pregnant.
40% of women with endometriosis are
effected by infertility.
Infertility in women with endometriosis
is not caused by the disease itself but
by other complications from the
disease.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who has a history of
endometriosis in their family.
Women between puberty and
menopause
Women with very high levels of
Estrogen.
Women with abnormal
menstruation cycles.
Retroversion of the Uterus
What is Retroversion of
the Uterus?
Often called “Tipped Uterus”
When the top of the uterus tips
backwards toward the spine or
instead of forwards toward the
bladder.
Causes
Is usually genetic and normal.
Can be caused by:
Endometriosis
Pelvic Surgery
Pelvic Adhesions
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Labor of Childbirth
Scar Tissue
Signs and Symptoms
There are not usually symptoms
from a retroverted uterus. Rarely it
can cause a mild discomfort or
lower back pain.
How is it Diagnosed
During a Pelvic Exam
Ultrasound
Treatment
A Retroverted Uterus does not
usually need treatment.
Treatment may be needed for
underlying problems causing a
retroverted uterus or problems
caused by a retroverted uterus.
Fertility
A Tipped Uterus does not affect
fertility.
It usually corrects itself during the
10th or 12th week of pregnancy.
Who is at risk?
Occurs in 20% of all women.
It is more likely to occur in women who
have also had
Endometriosis
Children
Pelvic Adhesions
Surgery
Scar Tissue
Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome
What is Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome?
A hormonal disease characterized
by enlarged ovaries covered in
small cysts.
Caused by unbalanced hormones
Causes
Genetics may play a factor
Hormone Changes
High Androgen Levels
High Insulin
High Blood Sugar
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms appear gradually and can include:
 Acne
 Depression
 Heavy vaginal bleeding
 Mood Swings
 Few or no menstrual periods
 Weight gain
 Hair loss
 Lower back pain
 Breathing problems while sleeping
How is it Diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for polycystic
ovarian syndrome. The doctor will
evaluate signs and symptoms and rule
out other disorders to be able to
diagnose it.
Tests the doctor will do may include:
Blood tests - to measure hormone
levels
Pelvic Ultrasound
Physical Exam
Medical History Review
Treatment
Regular Exercise
Eat a healthy diet
Medications to regulate hormones
Fertility
Polycystic Ovarian syndrome causes the
ovaries to stop releasing eggs which will
cause infertility.
PCOS can cause:
Repeat Miscarriages
Gestational Diabetes
Uterine Cancer
Who is at risk?
Women with a family history of
polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Women who use the seizure
medicine valporate
People with a family history of
diabetes.
Cervical Erosion
What is Cervical Erosion?
Also known as Cervical ectropion
Partial or complete absence of the
surface of the cervix.
The normal surface of the cervix is
replaced by inflamed tissue from
inside the cervical canal.
Causes
Trauma
Sexual intercourse, foreign objects inserted
into the vagina, tampon insertion.
Infection
Herpes (STD), Syphilis (STD), tampons left
in to long, severe vaginal infections.
Chemicals
Spermicides (form of birth control), douches
(used to clean the vagina)
Signs and Symptoms
Typically no symptoms
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
After sex
In between periods
Discharge associated with an
infection, may have a strange
odor.
How is it Diagnosed?
Pelvic
Examination
Pap Smear
Cervical Biopsy
Cloroscopic
Examination
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause
If caused by trauma or chemicals,
Avoiding the cause will usually allow it
to heal on its own.
Medications are used to treat infections.
Vaginal Estrogen cream may help to
thicken and heal the surface of the
cervix
Fertility
Cervical Erosion typically heals on
its own.
If treatment is necessary it is very
successful and fertility is not
affected.
Who is at risk?
Those who have unprotected sex
Those who use chemical agents in
the vagina
Endometrial Polyps
What are Endometrial Polyps?
Also known as Uterine Polyps
Growths attached to the inner wall
of the uterus. Can range from the
size of a sesame seed to the size
of a golf ball.
Causes
Cause is unknown
Estrogen has been found to
stimulate the growth of
Endometrial Polyps.
Signs and Symptoms
Irregular Bleeding
Heavy Periods
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
It is possible to have Endometrial
Polyps without signs or symptoms.
How is it Diagnosed?
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Hysteroscopy
Treatment
Some small polyps may disappear
on their own.
Medication
Curettage- scraping the walls of
the uterus with a small tool
inserted through the vagina and
cervix
Surgical Removal
Fertility
Endometrial polyps can sometimes
but not always cause infertility
Endometrial polyps affect the walls
of the uterus and can make it hard
for implantation
They can also increase the risk of
a miscarriage.
Who is at risk?
Obese People
People with high blood pressure
Those who take tamoxifen, a drug
used to treat breast cancer
Works Cited
 https://health.google.com/health/ref/Endometriosis
 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometriosis/DS00289
 http://women.webmd.com/endometriosis/endometriosistopic-overview
 http://saludchicago.com/saludchicago_english/retroverted_ut
erus.htm
 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001506.htm
 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovarysyndrome/DS00423
 http://women.webmd.com/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndromepcos-topic-overview
 http://www.drugs.com/enc/image_pages/17035.html
 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterinepolyps/DS00699/DSECTION=risk%2Dfactors