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Is There A Link Between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome And Endometriosis?
Scientists have linked Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) with various gynecological issues. However, despite some overlapping symptoms, researchers have not found significant associations between EDS and endometriosis.
EDS refers to a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues of the body. Connective tissues support the skin, blood vessels, ligaments, and other bodily structures.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the endometrial tissue in the uterus grows in other areas, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Endometrial tissue consists of two layers, one of which is formed of connective tissue.
Although some studies suggest there may be a higher than usual prevalence of endometriosis in people with EDS, scientists have not found significant associations between the conditions.
However, the conditions may cause similar symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain and menstrual symptoms.
This article looks at whether there may be a connection between EDS and endometriosis, what research about the conditions suggests, and other gynecological issues associated with EDS. It also looks at symptoms of EDS and endometriosis and the next steps a person can take for both conditions.
The prevalence of endometriosis in reproductive women is around 10%. Researchers have found varying rates of endometriosis in people with EDS, but most do not suggest a significantly higher prevalence than in the larger population.
There are few studies available on possible associations between EDS and endometriosis. The following highlight the prevalence of endometriosis in people with EDS, with mixed results:
While scientists associate EDS with a range of gynecological conditions and symptoms, there is a lack of evidence linking it with endometriosis. However, both conditions can cause similar gynecological symptoms.
Aside from an overlap in certain symptoms, there is not enough evidence to determine if EDS and endometriosis are connected.
People with EDS frequently report gynecological issues. This is because EDS affects collagen and connective tissue, which provide support to reproductive structures in the body.
However, research does not suggest endometriosis as a common gynecological side effect of EDS.
Various researchers have found that EDS and endometriosis share some common gynecological symptoms, though.
The overlapping of these symptoms could lead to doctors misdiagnosing some cases of EDS as endometriosis.
Because EDS weakens the connective tissues that support reproductive structures and organs, it may link to various gynecological issues. These include:
Gynecological symptoms and complications of EDS may include the issues listed in the previous section.
Other symptoms of EDS include:
Specific types of EDS may cause additional symptoms:
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
If a person has symptoms of EDS or endometriosis, contacting a doctor for a diagnosis can help them get treatment.
EDS diagnosis and management
To diagnose EDS, a doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about an individual's personal and family medical history. In some cases, the doctor may suggest a genetic blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
If a person's EDS symptoms affect their quality of life, a doctor may suggest certain treatments and lifestyle changes to help manage the condition. These can include:
Endometriosis diagnosis and management
To diagnose endometriosis, a doctor may perform several tests, including:
Treatment can include medications to relieve pain and balance hormones. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery.
Surgical options may include:
How does Ehlers-Danlos affect the uterus?
EDS causes connective tissues to weaken, including those that support the uterus.
The condition can cause several complications that affect the uterus, including polyps, pelvic organ prolapse, and uterine rupture during childbirth.
How does Ehlers-Danlos affect menstruation?
EDS can lead to various menstrual symptoms, including severe period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular menstruation, and bleeding between periods.
EDS affects the connective tissues that support various structures and organs in the body, such as the skin, ligaments, and blood vessels. The condition usually affects the skin and joints and can also cause several gynecological symptoms.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.
EDS and endometriosis share certain symptoms, such as pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities.
Although EDS and endometriosis can lead to gynecological complications and symptoms, there is not enough evidence to suggest the two are linked.
South Florida Mother Who Lost Custody Of Twins Files Second Appeal After New Information Reveals Proof Of Genetic Condition
(WSVN) - The court fight goes on for a mother accused of abusing her babies. But she said new evidence reveals her twins do have a rare disease and their injuries started before they were even born. 7's Heather Walker has the update in tonight's 7 Investigates.
Tasha Patterson: "It's the holidays, and I want my kids. It's not fair."
This is Tasha Patterson's third Christmas without her twins.
Tasha Patterson: "I have the Christmas tree, and I have the bag that I'm filling with my baby's toys. There is no reason why we should be spending another Christmas without our entire family together."
Tasha is a nurse practitioner. When we first spoke to her earlier this month, she told us her twins struggled from birth.
Tasha Patterson: "They would have these spurts of increased fussiness that we didn't understand why."
She made several trips to doctors and emergency rooms, but never found out what was wrong.
On her last visit to the E.R., a doctor found one of the babies had rib fractures.
Tasha Patterson: "They had my second twin brought in. He had fractures everywhere."
The injuries were reported to the Department of Children and Families, and the babies were taken away.
Tasha Patterson: "No, I didn't abuse my babies."
Tasha found out later she had a rare disease called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, which can be passed to children.
The disorder causes easy bruising and fragile bones.
Despite informing the state, DCF refused to return the children and denied her first appeal.
Now, she's appealing again, and more doctors are saying the babies weren't abused.
Valentina Villalobos, Attorney: "That doctor said, 'Although this is new and there is not a ton known about it, what we do know about it makes it impossible for you to conclude that this is child abuse.'"
Tasha's case has been reviewed by several EDS experts.
Dr. Irman Forghani from Mount Sinai Medical Genetics found, "One of the twins continued to show new fractures while the child was not in Tasha's custody."
Tasha Patterson: "So you are labeling these things as unexplained injuries, but it's not unexplained due to concealment; it's because we didn't even know at the time. Now we are giving you the information."
Another doctor said some of the fractures happened before the babies were even born.
Valentina Villalobos, Attorney: "So obviously that is pretty exonerating if there were fractures that were occurring when she was pregnant and while the kids were in the hospital."
For now, Tasha has supervised visits while the twins live with her brother.
Tasha Patterson: "When I'm walking out the door, I hear them crying, 'Mommy,' through the door. If I'm this horrible person, why would my kids be crying for me? They want their mom, and I can't be there the way I want to be there because these people are blocking me."
Tasha's second appeal is making its way through the courts. If Tasha loses, the twins will be put up for adoption.
Heather Walker, 7News.
CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:305-627-CLUE954-921-CLUE7Investigates@wsvn.Com
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Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inboxMeet One Of The UK's Professional Mermaids
Jasmine Seales works as a freelance mermaid
Jasmine Seales had struggled to work a "normal" full-time job but has finally found her perfect calling - as a professional mermaid.
The 33-year-old, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - a group of genetic disorders that affect connective tissues, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and fibromyalgia, said she was "not reliable every day" and had found work could be difficult at times.
Now she freelances at events as well as making the tails and tops that the mythical creatures are known for.
She is competing in the Miss Ocean World UK on 30 November.
Ms Seales, who lives in Newbury, Berkshire, said she had grown up on the Isle of Wight and was "always freediving".
Her enthusiasm for swimming combined with her love of "dressing up and being all sparkly" meant the job ticked every box.
She completed a course that covered, among other things, freediving and how to safely hold your breath.
"A lot of people think it's just putting on the tail and posing as a mermaid but there's a lot more [to it]," she said.
Ms Seales said she worked events, such as children's birthday parties
Now fully qualified, she has worked a range of events, from children's birthday parties to Boomtown festival near Winchester, Hampshire.
"We take our really large travelling tanks and we do underwater choreography, meet and greets with the children," she said.
She said some of her mermaid friends worked at aquariums, swimming in the shark and ray tanks, but that was too cold for her.
Raising awareness
Ms Seales said the job was "magic" - but it was not all sparkles.
Her mermaid persona is also a way of raising awareness of the state of the world's oceans, and part of the pageant involves giving people a "creative platform" to highlight this.
"You have to make an outfit out of something you would usually throw away, like single-use plastic," she said.
She said her outfit, crocheted out of 1,000 shredded plastic bags, was "ready to go".
The pageant aims to raise awareness of the state of the world's oceans
Ms Seales said the industry was growing in the UK, and she hoped there would soon be full-time mermaid positions like there are in the US.
But, for now, she was happy doing what she was doing.
Her favourite job, she said, had been an under-the-sea-themed party for people with dementia.
"They absolutely loved it, just massive smiles on their faces," she said. "It was the best time."
She will be competing for Hampshire in the UK pageant at the Lincoln Arts Centre at the University of Lincoln.
Related LinksJasmine Seale - Instagram
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