Endometriomas of the Vulva

Endometriomas of the vulva can be very painful and requires medical attention so that appropriate action may be taken. Oftentimes a surgical operation is needed in order to remove the cyst and stop the pain.

Endometriomas of the vulva is endometriosis that occurs in the vulva. Endometriosis is a kind of cyst in the reproductive system also called gynecologic cysts. Gynecologic cysts can grow in any part of the woman's reproductive system such as the uterus, cervix, and vagina. Cysts are closed sacs containing a gelatin-like material that grow separately from the surrounding tissues.

Endometriosis Defined

Endomitriosis is the medical term used to describe the condition when some tissues called endometrial tissues that are normally found in the uterine cavity grow outside the uterus. These endometrial tissues proliferate and form a cyst called endometrioma.

The cause of endometriosis is currently unknown. Most experts agree that endometriosis maybe aggravated by estrogen. Factors that may contribute to the development of endometriosis in some women are environmental influences, immune system dysfunctions, lymphatic or vascular distribution, genetic predisposition, retrograde menstruation, and metaplasia. Some experts theorize that environmental toxins may trigger endometriosis. Another theory is that endometrial tissues go through blood lymphatic system or the blood vessels. Retrograde menstruation means the menstruation go backward, while metaplasia is the process when one normal tissue changes into another.

Vulvar Endometriomas Defined

Commonly, endometrial tissues grow in the ovaries or other parts of the reproductive system. It is a rare for them to grow in the vulva. When they do, it is called vulvar endomitrioma. Large vulvar endometriomas can be painful. Oftentimes, it becomes more painful shortly before and during menstruation. It may also cause pain during sexual intercourse. The color of endometrioma may be blue, and it feels tender. When they break, severe pain can be experienced.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The symptoms that endometriosis may cause are pelvic pain, infertility, nausea, dizziness, chronic fatigue, vomiting, back pain, pain during intercourse, severe pain in legs and thighs, constipation, painful urination and fever. Symptoms of pain often worsen in time with the menstruation.

Dealing with Endometriomas of the Vulva

Women afflicted with this illness should immediately seek medical advice. If a woman feels she may have the symptoms of endometriosis, the best thing to do is to consult an expert.

A doctor may first review the woman's gynecologic history and then perform a pelvic examination. Doctors may feel and see large endometriomas during pelvic examination. When the doctor deems it necessary, additional diagnostic procedures like laparoscopy and biopsy may be required. There is no non-invasive way to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis. After diagnosis has been determined, a surgical operation to remove the endometrioma will be undertaken. The process will remove not only the cyst but also the pain.