Endometriosis Flashcards
What is the definition of endometriosis
The presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity
Where are the 3 most common sites that endometiral tissue can spread to
Pouch of Douglas
Ovaries
Perineum
Where are the areas that endometrial tissue can spread
Pouch of douglas
Ovaries
Perineum
Fallopian tubes
Appendix
Bladder
Why do the following symtpoms occur in endometriosis:
a) menorrhagia
b) cyclical pain and dyspareuria
c) pre-menstrual bleeding
Due to the excess of endometrial tissue, you get abnormally heavy periods -> menorrhagia
Due to endometrial tissue migrating to other areas, these areas fill with blood during periods which causes pain, especially during sex -> cyclical pain & dyspareuria
This endometrial tissue isn’t surrounded by the the protective decidua like it is in the uterus, so it can bleed before periods -> pre-menstural bleeding
What are the clinical features of endometriosis
Menorrhagia
Dyspareuria
Cyclical pain
Pre-menstural bleeding
Subfertility & infertiliy
Those with endometriosis may be infertile or it may take longer to concieve (get preggers) than normal, what is the term for this
Subfertility
Why are only younger women affected by endometriosis
As it is oestrogen dependent, so you can only get it before you reach the menopause
What is the gold-standard investigation for endometriosis
Laproscopy
Along with a diagnostic laproscopy, what other investigations can be done for endometriosis
Biopsy
MRI
USS
Vaginal exam
Pelvic exam
What coloured lesions can occur in endometriosis which can be seen on laproscopy
Red, white & blue
& black
On a biopsy, what is characteristic of endometriosis
Chocolate-filled cysts
What STI is endometriosis associated with
Chalymdia
Although the causes are generally unknown, what are some of the potential causes of endometriosis
Retrograde menstration (shreded endometrium goes back up the uterus)
Colemic metaplasia
Haematogenoeus spread
Direct transplantation
What are the potential complications of endometriosis
Depression (just like any chronic condition sunshine)
Infertility
What are the treatments for endometriosis
NSAIDs
Analgesia
Hormonal therapy
Surgery
