Endometriosis
When womb-like tissue grows outside the womb
Endometriosis is when tissue like the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. It often causes strong period pain, pain during sex and pain in the lower tummy. It can make it harder to get pregnant. It is common and is often missed for years. Dr Leng Meng Chik at KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital can check for it and treat it.
Good to know
You can start treatment before you have a firm diagnosis. If your symptoms fit, Dr Leng may suggest painkillers or hormone treatment first and see how you feel.
See a doctor soon if you have
- Severe pain that painkillers do not help
- Pain with a fever
- Blood in your pee or poo
- Trying for a baby for a year without success
If you have any of these, please see a doctor soon. For sudden, severe pain or heavy bleeding, go to the nearest emergency department.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are often worst during your period. They include:
- Period pain that stops you from daily life
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when you poo or pee during your period
- Pain in the lower tummy or back
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Feeling very tired
What causes it?
The exact cause is not known. It may run in families. It is not caused by anything you did.
How is it diagnosed?
Dr Leng listens to your symptoms and examines you. A vaginal ultrasound scan can show some kinds of endometriosis, such as cysts on the ovary. Small patches do not always show on a scan. Sometimes keyhole surgery is needed to be sure.
What are the treatment choices?
Treatment aims to ease pain and protect your fertility.
- Painkillers
- Hormone treatment, such as the pill, progestogen tablets or a hormone coil (IUS)
- Keyhole surgery to remove patches of endometriosis
- Help to get pregnant, if needed
Can I get pregnant with endometriosis?
Many women with endometriosis get pregnant without help. Some need treatment. If you have tried for a year, or six months if you are 35 or older, talk to Dr Leng.
What else do women ask about endometriosis?
Is endometriosis cancer?
No. Endometriosis is not cancer. It is a long-term condition that can cause pain, but it can be managed.
Can it come back after surgery?
Yes, it can. Hormone treatment after surgery may help keep it away. Dr Leng will talk with you about the right plan for you after surgery.
Does pregnancy make endometriosis go away?
No. Symptoms often ease during pregnancy, but they usually come back later. You should not plan a pregnancy just to treat endometriosis.
Is endometriosis the same as adenomyosis?
They are related but different. In endometriosis, the tissue grows outside the womb. In adenomyosis, it grows into the muscle wall of the womb. Some women have both.
Dr Leng Meng ChikConsultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MD (UNIMAS), MRCOG (UK). MMC 54266. KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital. About Dr Leng
Sources
Related conditions
See Dr Leng about endometriosis in Seremban.
Bring your questions. Dr Leng will explain what is going on and help you choose what to do next.