Write an essay describing a disease found in the Reproductive System (100 points) Using medical terminology identify the name that the physician would list as the diagnosis. Describe the illness or injury. Identify the location (Based on what you learned in Chapter 2). Describe symptoms. Describe possible treatments. Create a table with all medical terms used and break the words down. For all medical terms give an explanation in layman’s terms you would use to explain to the patient.

1. QUESTION

2. Write an essay describing a disease found in the Reproductive System (100 points)

• Using medical terminology identify the name that the physician would list as the diagnosis.
• Describe the illness or injury.
• Identify the location (Based on what you learned in Chapter 2).
• Describe symptoms.
• Describe possible treatments.
• Create a table with all medical terms used and break the words down.
• For all medical terms give an explanation in layman’s terms you would use to explain to the patient.

Assignment Expectations: How will students be successful?

• Length:
  • 1000 words; answers must thoroughly address the questions in a clear, concise manner
• Structure:
  • Include a title page and reference page in APA style
• References:
  • Include the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions
• Format:

save your assignment as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

ANSWER

Endometriosis: A Chronic Disease of the Reproductive System

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system, specifically the lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding pelvic organs. This essay will explore the diagnosis, location, symptoms, and possible treatments for endometriosis.

Diagnosis

To diagnose endometriosis, a physician would list the diagnosis as “endometriosis.” This term is derived from the Greek words “endo,” meaning inside, and “metra,” meaning womb. It accurately reflects the condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus.

Location

Endometriosis primarily affects the pelvic region. The abnormal growth of endometrial tissue can be found on various organs within the pelvic cavity, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). In rare cases, endometriosis may also be found in distant locations outside the pelvis, such as the intestines, bladder, or lungs (Smolarz et al., 2021).

Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely among individuals, and the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the extent of the disease. Common symptoms include:

 Pelvic pain: Women with endometriosis often experience chronic pelvic pain, which can range from mild to severe. The pain may occur before or during menstruation, during sexual intercourse, or during bowel movements or urination.

Dysmenorrhea: Endometriosis can cause severe menstrual cramps that are more intense than what is considered normal. The pain may last longer than usual and may be accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding.

Infertility: Approximately one-third of women with endometriosis may experience difficulties in conceiving. The presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus can interfere with the release of eggs, block the fallopian tubes, or cause inflammation that affects fertilization or implantation.

Gastrointestinal symptoms: Some women with endometriosis may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea, particularly during their menstrual period.

Fatigue and emotional changes: Chronic pain and other symptoms of endometriosis can lead to fatigue and emotional changes, including mood swings, depression, or anxiety.

Possible Treatments

The treatment options for endometriosis depend on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the desire for future fertility, and the individual’s overall health. Common treatment approaches include:

Pain medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help relieve mild to moderate pain associated with endometriosis. Prescription pain medications may be necessary for severe pain.

Hormonal therapy: Hormonal medications, such as combined oral contraceptives, progestins, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, are often prescribed to suppress the growth of endometrial tissue and alleviate symptoms (Rafique & DeCherney, 2017).

 Surgical interventions: Laparoscopic surgery is the most common surgical procedure for endometriosis. During this minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon removes or destroys the endometrial implants and adhesions. In severe cases or when fertility is a concern, a more extensive surgery called laparotomy may be necessary.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In cases where endometriosis causes infertility, ART methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended (Jain, 2022). IVF involves the retrieval of eggs from the ovaries, fertilization in a laboratory, and subsequent transfer of the embryos into the uterus.

Table of Medical Terms

Medical Term | Layman’s Explanation

———————————————

Endometriosis | A condition where the tissue lining the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.

Pelvic Cavity | The area within the lower abdomen that contains reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum.

Dysmenorrhea | Severe menstrual cramps that are more intense than usual.

Infertility | Difficulty in becoming pregnant or conceiving a child.

Fallopian Tubes | The tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, through which eggs travel.

Peritoneum | The lining of the abdominal cavity.

Gastrointestinal | Relating to the stomach and intestines.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Medications that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Progestins | Synthetic hormones similar to progesterone.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists | Medications that suppress the production of certain hormones.

Laparoscopic surgery | A minimally invasive surgical procedure performed using small incisions and a camera to visualize and treat endometriosis.

Laparotomy | A more extensive surgical procedure involving a larger incision to access and treat severe endometriosis.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) | A fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the uterus.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects the reproductive system, causing pain, infertility, and other distressing symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life for those affected. By understanding the medical terms associated with endometriosis, patients can better comprehend their condition and actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

References

Jain, M. (2022, November 28). Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Techniques. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576409/ 

Rafique, S., & DeCherney, A. H. (2017). Medical Management of Endometriosis. Medical Management of Endometriosis, 60(3), 485–496. https://doi.org/10.1097/grf.0000000000000292 

Smolarz, B., Szyłło, K., & Romanowicz, H. (2021). Endometriosis: Epidemiology, Classification, Pathogenesis, Treatment and Genetics (Review of Literature). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(19), 10554. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms221910554