2009 Mar 3  

Ahead of endometriosis awareness week, new Australian research shows that having ovarian endometriosis doubles the risk of premature birth in women who have used assisted reproductive technologies.

The comparative study of over 6,000 births, led by Professor David Healy, Director of the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health and Chairman of the Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found that women who had used assisted reproductive technologies to conceive, and who had ovarian endometriosis, are twice as likely to have a premature birth.

Further research is needed to determine the clinical benefit of removing the ovarian endometriosis prior to using any assisted reproductive technologies and to address the gaps in our understanding of the chain of events leading from ovarian endometriosis to premature birth.
 
“This research is important for all pregnant women and is the first time that endometriosis has been so clearly associated with premature birth,” Professor Healy said. “Obstetricians will now be able to more readily identify and monitor mothers-to-be who are at increased risk of premature labour and birth.”

Clinicans looking after women who have conceived using assisted reproductive technologies will now be able to check for ovarian endometriosis through routine ultrasound. Diagnosed women can then be monitored throughout their pregnancy. According to Prof Healy, the key will be early diagnosis, “especially as up to 44 per cent of women show no symptoms of endometriosis.”

About endometriosis
Endometriosis affects up to one in 10 women of childbearing age. It occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the uterus. The misplaced tissue commonly grows on the ovaries (ovarian endometriosis), but can also occur on the fallopian tubes or the tissue lining the pelvis (the peritoneum). Endometrial cells from the uterus, which are usually shed during a period, may flow back along the fallopian tubes into the pelvis – known as retrogade menstruation.

The causes of endometriosis are not fully understood and there may be many reasons why it occurs in about 10 per cent of women and may become a chronic, recurring condition. Retrograde menstruation is considered the main source of endometrial cells reaching the pelvis and pelvic organs. Other possible causes include genetics, especially if there are other family members with the condition.

For women who experience symptoms these may include:

• pain (associated with periods, during or after sex, abdominal, back or pelvic, ovulation or going to the toilet)
• heavy, prolongued, irregular bleeding or spotting
• irregular bowel habits or increase in urinary frequency or change in normal function
• PMS
• tiredness and mood changes
• bloating
• infertility

Women are advised to seek help when symptoms interfere in everyday life.

Diagnosis of endometriosis is by laparoscopy, an operation performed under general anaesthetic, where a small telescope is inserted into the abdomen through a cut in the belly button. Ovarian endometriosis can be diagnosed via ultrasound.

Treatment will depend on the severity, symptoms and whether pregnancy is desired, and can include medication for pain relief, natural and/or hormone therapies or surgery.

– ENDS –

Interviews

To interview Prof Healy please call Aleeza Zohar on 03 9562 6771 or 0425 758 729.

Resources

For more infomation on endometriosis see our deicated website and fact sheet. 

www.endometriosis.org.au

 Endometriosis - Fact Sheet (56.29 KB)

Content Updated March 3, 2009