About this topic
The uterus is the organ where a baby grows when you are pregnant. The uterus is also called the womb. Hormones help prepare your womb for a baby. If you did not get pregnant, you get rid of the lining of the uterus each time you have your period. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. ‚
Endometriosis is when tissue that is found in your womb grows outside of the womb. Tissue may be found on organs outside of your uterus. The tissue may swell and start to break down. When the tissue breaks down, you may have pain, bleeding, and other signs. Your signs get worse over time. There may be damage to nearby organs. ‚
The exact cause of this illness is not known. Doctors may treat the signs. Sometimes, surgery is needed. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Take all your drugs as directed by your doctor.
- Heat may be used on your lower belly to help lower your pain. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your belly for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on. You may get burned.
- If you had surgery, ask your doctor about how to care for your wound.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a fertility expert if you plan to have babies.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Balance hormones
- Help soften stools
Will physical activity be limited?
- Pain may make you stop doing your normal activities or going to work or school.
- Exercise is important to good health. Talk to your doctor about the best kind of exercise for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet. You may have more energy and you may sleep better.
- Eat foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day.
What problems could happen?
- Problem getting pregnant or not able to get pregnant
- Long-term lower belly pain
- Lower back pain that lasts a long time
- Cysts in your pelvis
- Endometriosis may come back
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- Very bad pain during your period
- Very heavy period
- Pain in your belly or lower back
- Pain during sex
- Pain with bowel movements
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or pain with my period or during sex.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Endometriosis ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/endometriosis.html# ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Endometriosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚