Endometriosis Flashcards
What is endometriosis?
Where tissue that lines the womb is found outside the womb.
To what anatomical areas are at high risk for endometriosis? (3)
- Pelvic Peritoneum
- Ovaries
- Pouch of Douglas
What demographic of women are effected by endometriosis?
Women of childbearing age.
What demographic of women are LESS LIKELY to be affected by endometriosis?
Women who have been through menopause.
What are the main symptoms of endometriosis? (Think 4D)
- Dysuria (difficulty peeing)
- Dyschezia (difficulty defecating)
- Dysparaneuia (pain during sex)
- Dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain)
Other than the 4Ds what symptoms are associated with endometriosis? (3)
Premenstrual Pain
Pelvic Pain
Subfertility
Is endometriosis always symptomatic?
No!
May actually present asymptomatically.
What signs upon vaginal examination suggests endometriosis?
- Tender nodules in rectovaginal septum
- Tender nodules in posterior vaginal fornix / uterosacral ligaments
- Adnexal Mass
- Limited uterine mobility (fixed & retroverted)
Do you always see signs of endometriosis during a vaginal examination?
No.
What is the gold standard investigation AND therapy for endometriosis?
Laparoscopy
What investigations may we conduct when we suspect a woman of having endometriosis? (5)
- Laparoscopy
- Transvaginal Ultrasound
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- MRI
- CT
What MEDICAL treatments are available for endometriosis?
- Progestogen (POP / Injection / Mirena IUS)
- Combined oral contraceptive (3 month at a time)
- Leuprorelin (GnRH analogues)
What SURGICAL options are available for endometriosis? (4)
- Excision of deposits from peritoneum / ovary
- Laser ablation of deposits
- Hysterectomy WITH Oophorectomy (Most radical)
- Diathermy
What is Oophorectomy?
Removal of the ovaries.
AKA oviarectomy in the states.
