Three must-know things about three important things.

Endometriosis

This is a complex gynaecology condition where cells from the uterus (womb) grow elsewhere.

  • Endometriosis typically causes pain, excessive or abnormal menstrual bleeding, and infertility. But the manner and frequency and severity of symptoms varies significantly and so the diagnosis can prove elusive initially.
  • Endometriosis affects about one on ten women. It can run in families bit for the most part, risk-factors and causes are unknown.
  • The treatment of endometriosis can include pain relief, cycle control, advanced and specialised hormonal medications, and surgery. It is a complex filed requiring specialist expertise. Outcomes are quite variable and difficult to predict.

 

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a range of conditions that include seizures. Seizures are involuntary movements and spasms and changes in consciousness/awareness, caused by uncontrolled brain activity.

  • There are two main “types” of epilepsy with respect to cause. Epilepsy caused by a known illness or injury (head injury, meningitis, stroke, brain tumour, birth defect, etc.) and epilepsy that has no clear cause (idiopathic epilepsy).
  • Absence seizures where the person loses awareness or even loses consciousness, only. Motor seizures involve body movements (spasms, jerking, etc.), which may be localised or generalised in nature.
  • Treatment of idiopathic epilepsy usually involves medications. Epilepsy medications often produce side effects and so the best approach is usually to find the smallest possible dosage that remains effective (controls seizures). This becomes an ongoing challenge for patient and doctor. Newer treatments such as surgery show promise for some patients.

 

Erectile Dysfunction

This is an extremely common problem that affects about half of men aged 50 and about 70% of 70 year-olds.

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is often linked to lifestyle and ageing. Staying slim, fit, and active, can really reduce the risks. Indeed, ED should be seen as a warning sign for general cardiovascular risk (heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc.).
  • Erectile Dysfunction is generally said to be an issue when a man finds his erections inadequate a quarter of the time, or more often.

ED can be treated with lifestyle changes (lose weight, exercise, etc.) and by medications (oral pills and also penile injections) and by surgery (usually only needed in severe cases). Results are quite good although gradual worsening is inevitable if lifestyle changes are not made.

Written by Dr Colin Burns