Q.

1. What are ‘chocolate cysts’? My friend has two of them.

Chocolate cysts get the name for the altered blood retained in the cysts, which looks like chocolate when the cysts rupture. These cysts are associated with a disease called endometriosis. Though the cysts may be an incidental finding, often it is associated with painful periods and lower tummy heaviness persisting throughout the cycle.

Q.

2. I have severe cramping pain throughout the month. It worsens during my period. Could I have endometriosis?

Yes it is indeed a possibility. A chronic infection or a non-gynaecological problem may be present. You need to be evaluated by a doctor.

Q.

3. What effect can endometriosis have on future fertility?

It all depends on the degree of the disease. In severe cases it can adversely affect the chances of fertility. Surgery combined with medical therapy and use of artificial reproductive techniques is usually necessary for women with endometriosis finding it difficult to conceive.

Q.

4. Why does endometriosis need long-term treatment?

Unfortunately endometriosis has a high recurrence rate, sometimes years after the original disease was first detected. Besides this the pain may warrant long-term treatment in women with endometriosis.

Q.

5. Can I have endometriosis even when my ultrasound is okay?

Only some features of the disease like chocolate cysts are visible on ultrasound. Other features like adhesions cannot be seen. It also needs to be understood that mild disease inside the body can present with severe symptoms and it is always not always proportional.