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Issues
About Endometriosis
by JeNean Jeffreys
The second most
common gynecological symptom of women, endometriosis, is defined
as the abnormal growth of endometrial cells. Monthly, these
cells that make up the lining of the uterus shed and position
themselves in the lower abdomen which consist of the cul-de-sac,
the stomach, the ovaries, the rectovaginal septum and the
bladder. Nevertheless, in contrast to the uterine cells, which
are expelled through the vagina, the endometrial cells have
no passage way out of the female body, therefore, they stay
in the areas mentioned and continue their cycle.
Some of the results
of this constant cycle include bleeding, scarring, and inflammation.
Generally, none of these products are malignant or cancerous.
In addition to those results comes one of the most serious
outcomes, infertility. Research shows that if not treated
almost immediately, the symptoms become progressively worst.
Even though endometriosis is known to spread to other areas
of the body by the rupturing of the endometrial cells, it
is not contagious between persons.
The disorder cannot
be prevented. It is cured only through controlled treatment.
Presently, researchers are now experimenting with blood tests
to aid in examining women with symptoms of this disorder.
When trying to detect characteristics of "progressive endometriosis,"
research has shown an ultrasound device helpful. Also, when
used accurately, laparoscopy yields one hundred percent accuracy.
Laparoscopy designates the size, location, and extent of the
endometriosis growth. Doctors prescribe oral contraceptives
to lessen menstrual flow and retro-flow of blood in the fallopian
tubes. Some of the medicines prescribed are Provera, Danazol,
and Lupron. Women are advised to consult their doctors because
of the numerous unpleasant side effects of these drugs.
It is not yet
known why some women suffer from endometriosis, while others
are absolutely healthy in these regards. Some examiners believed
in the retrograde theory that links the cause of endometriosis
to retrograde bleeding through the fallopian tubes, during
menstruation.
Women between the
ages of 21 and 31 are more likely to have this disorder. Additionally,
women who encounter intense bleeding or frequent menstrual
cycles, menstrual difficulties, early puberty and short menstrual
cycles are usually victims of endometriosis. Also, endometriosis
favors women whose mothers were treated with DES hormones,
during their pregnancy or who experience severe pain during
menstruation. Some theorists believe that the disorder may
be genetic, carried in the genes of particular families.
There are four
stages of endometriosis -- Stage one, minimal disease, with
characteristics of superficial and filmy adhesions; stage
two, mild disease, including superficial and deep-rooted endometriosis
and filmy adhesions; stage three, moderate disease, containing
superficial and deep endometriosis and filmy, dense adhesions;
and stage four, severe disease, comprised of superficial and
deep-rooted endometriosis and dense adhesions.
All of the symptoms
seem similar but the size and number of the areas infected
help in the diagnosis of the disease. Pain plays a large part
in the diagnosis and is reported to strike 5 to 6 days prior
to the menstrual cycle. Testimonies state that feelings of
depressions, irritability, helplessness, negativity, insecurity,
and anger arise. These feelings are accompanied by other symptoms:
repetitive miscarriage, painful intercourse, painful bowel
movements, heavy and irregular bleeding, low back pains, diarrhea
or constipation, pelvic adhesion, dreadful menstrual cramps,
premenstrual spotting, low resistance to infections, urinary
pressure, bloody coughs and rectal bleeding.
For more information,
please visit:
http://
www.endometriosis.org
http://
www.endometriosisassn.org
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Healthy
Tips
by Tausi Suedi
Health not only
means disease and disability prevention. It can also mean
having access to affordable health care and the freedom to
reach one's full health potential through a safe, non-violent
environment, adequate income, housing, food, and education,
and having a valued role to play in the community.
Quality of life
should be of great importance and the biggest priority. Only
you know your body, therefore, treat it well by listening
to the messages it sends out to you. There are numerous resources
on women's health issues today that are being discussed;
some appear in this issue of i magazine.
The leading causes
of death for women in the United States, according to the
National Center for Health Statistics are:
Heart Disease:
710,760
Cancer: 553,091
Stroke: 167,661
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease: 122,009
Accidents: 97,900
Diabetes: 69,301
Pneumonia/Influenza: 65,313
Alzheimer's Disease: 49,558
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 37,251
Septicemia: 31,224 (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hphome.htm)
A few tips:
- Develop healthy
eating habits. Let your diet consist of more vegetables
and fruits. Reduce the amount of fat in your food and try
to drink many liquids as possible, particularly water.
- Don't forget
to exercise your body. All of us benefit from moderate amount
of exercise, nothing strenuous. Regular exercise helps reduce
the risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high
blood pressure, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Do you really
want to smoke? Many young females start to smoke just to
prove to their peers or themselves that they are adults.
Some do it on the assumption that it relieves stress! Lung
cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in women.
Nor is second hand smoking good for your either. Passive
smokers risk getting lung cancer, when being close to active
smokers.
- How often do
you go to the doctor? There is only one way to confirm there
is something wrong with your body - by visiting a doctor.
Get regular exams and screenings. Find out when you need
a Pap smear, mammogram, colorectal cancer screening, and
more. Your chances for a cure are better, when a problem
is detected in early stages.
- Be safe and
protect yourself. Practice the "keep yourself safe" steps
such as wearing sun protection lotions to prevent skin cancer.
- Alternative
ways of relaxation. If you're looking to increase your strength,
flexibility, balance and equilibrium, try Tai Chi. Translated
as "Chinese shadow boxing," Tai Chi is a slow, graceful
form of exercise; an average routine takes 10 minutes to
perform. To get personal instruction, contact your local
health club or look for adult education classes being offered
by local high schools, colleges or universities.
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