Endometriosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when tissues of the endometrium grow outside the uterus (womb). The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. Normally, the endometrium sheds when you have a monthly period. Endometrial tissue may get trapped in your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or bladder. Patches of tissue may form and grow between these organs, making them stick together. This may cause inflammation (swelling) and pain. You may have pain before or during your monthly period. You may also have pain when urinating, having a bowel movement (BM), or during sex. Endometriosis may be found by blood tests, an ultrasound, or surgery. Treatment includes medicines or surgery. Symptoms such as painful monthly periods and pain between periods may decrease with treatment.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

If you have surgery to treat endometriosis, you may get an infection or bleed more than expected. Medicines may cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, pimples, facial hair, weight gain, or depression. The chances of your signs and symptoms decreasing or going away are better if the disease is found and treated early. If endometriosis is not treated, pain may cause you to miss work or school and can strain relationships. You may also have problems getting pregnant. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your disease, medicines, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Hormone therapy: This medicine prevents monthly periods. Hormone medicine shrinks endometrial tissue and decreases your pain.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Tests:

You may have any of the following tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is called an MRI. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your abdomen and pelvic (hip) areas. An MRI may be used to look at the female organs, brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lie still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury.
  
  
• Vaginal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to show pictures of the inside of your uterus (womb) and ovaries. A small tube is placed into your vagina. Pictures of your uterus and ovaries are seen on a TV-like screen.

Treatment option:

Surgery may be done to look at your organs to see if you have endometriosis. Endometrial tissue that is growing in the wrong places may be removed. You may need to have some or all of your female organs removed to get rid of your symptoms.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Endometriosis (Inpatient Care)