$Unique_ID{BRK00196}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{What are the Treatments for Endometriosis?}
$Subject{endometriosis cause treatment}
$Volume{J-14}
$Log{
Diseases of the Female Organs*0009001.scf
Endometriosis 1*0010201.scf
Endometriosis 2*0010202.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What are the Treatments for Endometriosis?


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QUESTION:  I'm rapidly approaching the time when I must do something more
about my condition called "endometriosis".  I am told there are new medicines
soon to be available, and that even surgery isn't as complicated anymore, but
I am hard to convince.  Will you please discuss the problem, and offer your
opinion?

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ANSWER:  This painful disease which attacks women of child bearing age,
deserves attention in this column and I am pleased to offer you the
information you request.  Endometriosis occurs when fragments of the tissue
which normally forms the lining of the uterus, are found outside of their
normal location, on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and even in the abdominal
and pelvic cavity.  These clusters of cells, follow the same pattern as the
normally situated tissue, and grow and menstruate, but have no way of
discharging the flow from the body.  Thus it accumulates in cysts, which grow
larger and painful, blocking the tubes and preventing pregnancy.  In fact
endometriosis is the third leading cause of infertility, though pregnancy can
help end the condition.  During pregnancy, cyclic growth of the endometrial
tissue is halted, and cyst development may be stopped permanently.  The
medications currently available are effective since they trick the body into
thinking that a pregnancy exists, which halts the production of the hormones
that cause menstruation.  The most commonly used medications danazol and
lupron are quite effective, but frequently cause serious and unwanted side
effects, such as nausea, vomiting, acne, excessive hair growth and even
personality changes.  A new drug, nafarelin, is currently under development,
and is reported to have fewer negative effects, but has not yet been approved
for use by the Food and Drug Administration, although many physicians would
like to see the approval procedure hastened.  Surgery is less traumatic then
before, as newer techniques use laser scalpels, and thin, fiber optic tubes
which permit the surgeon to destroy areas of endometriosis through small
openings rather than the larger incisions used previously.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
