Dr. Van Dellen = =. ~ Medie Advise } | | Childbirth? Here’s Story Endometriosis is most prev- . alent in married -more than who women average of means have avoided preg- nancy. This is one reason why many. physicians recommend early ehildbearing. In endome' triosis, cells that resemble those lining the inside of. the uterus Dr. in- Van Dellen vade the organs of the abdominal cavity. These cells irritate the intestine and rec- tum, crowd the pelvic organs and interfere with the repro-. ductive function. Symptoms are most noticeable during the menstrual period, cells because have the the misplaced same change as their sister cells in the uterus at this time. Most victims complain of pelvic pain and distress when ; bowel. ON the | “A ihe aan | There . no endeneat on > how the cells reach the abdominal cavity. The retrograde flow theory is easiest to understand. Some of the uterine cells go the wrong way during menstrua- tion and escape into the abdominal cavity via the fallopian tubes. They adhere to the intestine, pelvic organs and liga- ments where they continue to - jive under the influence of the _ Today’s Health Hint Pregnant women: colds by avoiding Ovarian Avoid crowds. hormone. Their sub- sequent growth and development follows the same pat- tern as when they lined the inside of the uterus. Treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. The physician may suggest to the younger woman who wants children eventually that she may have them as soon as possible. Further procrastination may lead to infertility. : During pregnancy, the ovaries fail to secrete the hor- mone that causes congestion in the transplanted cells. - Many women obtain relief for months or years after having a child. The wife who cannot conceive may need a hormone, such as stilbestrol; this prod- uct creates a state that mimics the glandular changes achieved by pregnancy. Surgery is required when these measures fail and discomfort is marked.