The lining of the womb is called endometrium; if endometrial-type tissue is found outside the womb it is called endometriosis. Endometriosis is most commonly found in the pelvis notably on the ovaries and behind the uterus (Figure 23.2). It can involve the bowel and urinary tract. The diagnosis is confirmed by direct visualisation usually by laparoscopy (laparoscopy). There is a very large spectrum in the severity of endometriosis: It may consist of no more than a few tiny spots or at the other extreme, there may be extensive disease with cysts filled with a chocolate-like material and scar tissue around the pelvis. The chocolate cysts are derived from blood released by the endometriosis at the time of menstruation. Endometriosis is essentially a condition occurring in the pelvis. There are rare occasions when it may occur elsewhere such as in the lung.
There have been numerous classifications to describe the severity of the condition. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine revised the classification in 1997 to take account of the latest observations. A score is obtained according to the number of sites and the size of each deposit. Assessment of the severity of endometriosis using the revised American Fertility Society classification allows a degree of comparison although a study of the laparoscopic videotapes of 20 patients with endometriosis showed considerable variation of scoring between observers and also by the same observer on re-evaluation of the same patient.
Support Groups
National Endometriosis Society
50 Westminster Palace Gardens
1 7 Artillery Row
London SW1pRL
Tel: 020 7222 2781
Endometriosis Support Groups:
Members of a support group, provide each other with various types of help and information for a particular shared difficulty.
The support may take the form of providing relevant information,
- relating personal experiences,
- listening to others' experiences,
- providing sympathetic understanding and
- establishing social networks.
A support group may also provide ancillary support, such as serving as a voice for the public or engaging in advocacy.
Support groups maintain interpersonal contact among their members in a variety of ways.
Support groups also maintain contact through printed information rich newsletters, telephone chains, internet forums, and mailing lists.
Support groups offer companionship and information for people coping with diseases or disabilities. Support groups may not be appropriate for everyone, and some find that a support group actually adds to their stress rather than relieving it.
Evaluation of the quality of Web sites is discussed in
(Q4.27). You may find that several
general women's health sites may help you (internet information).
The following are more specialised relevant Web sites:-
Your Own Web Presence
For £35
FirstWebSiteDesign.com
Have your own web ad on the internet and optimized
for good positioning.
Your Own Dedicated Web Page Designed
Specifically For You
More Effective
Than Your Own
Single Page Website
For £35
FirstWebSiteDesign.com
|
