What is the incidence of Endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs in approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 40, most often in women who have never given birth. The severity of the condition varies widely: In some women, it causes no symptoms; in others it is progressive and even needs removal of the uterus. How is Endometriosis diagnosed? After taking a careful & detailed history, if the treating physician suspects Endometriosis, patient is subjected to a detailed pelvic examination, Ultrasonography and a laparoscopy. History, pelvic examination and USG can only give circumstantial proof. Definitive diagnosis is only with laparoscopy. What is Laparoscopy? Laparoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen to allow viewing of the pelvic organs. Gynecologist actually can see the presence, extent and severity of Endometrial patches. Laparoscopy is used both for diagnosis and to confirm cure and for follow-up. Click here to see the picture What treatment options is available? Basically, there are just two methods, and neither works very well. One treatment uses hormones to alter the signals the endometrium receives, essentially creating a state of false pregnancy. Endometriosis is treated with high doses of birth control pills, which change the body's hormone balance and stop the endometrial tissue from growing. Danazol, an artificial hormone, may be used to halt menstruation and ovulation, and stop tissue growth. If medications do not work, the endometrial tissue may be surgically eliminated using Laparoscopy. In developed countries they use lasers to burn away the excess endometrial growth. In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries) may be necessary (as in Mrs JK's case). But endometriosis is rarely eliminated for good. Symptoms can return even if the ovaries and uterus-are completely excised. For most women, the symptoms of endometriosis disappear following menopause. | 1 | 2 | MAIN PAGE