Endometriosis: Symptoms, Causes,
Treatment and Prevention
Endometriosis is a condition that
many women face. It is associated with pain during menses because the endometrium or tissue that
usually develops inside the uterus is found outside the organ. This tissue may
encompass the ovaries, fallopian tubes and occasionally replace the pelvic
tissue. However, it is rare to see the tissue spread further beyond the pelvic
area. This tissue is identical to the tissue within the uterus with its actions
mimicking that of the endometrium. This makes the tissue thicken and break down
exactly as in menstruation. However, the blood cannot be expelled out of the
body and remains trapped within resulting in scar tissues and adhesions.
Patients of endometriosis may also have endometriomas or ovarian cysts.
Endometriosis is a painful condition of varying intensity and the patient being unable to bear the acute pain during
menstrual periods. Moreover, it may also result in infertility. However, most
of the patients can be treated effectively with infertility experts treating
the condition in entirety.
Symptoms of
Endometriosis
Pain is the most important
symptom associated with this condition. Doctors often ask their patients to
describe it during examination and diagnose it an excruciating pain with
cramping. Some
of the symptoms of the condition include the following:-
1.Dysmenorrhea- This can be defined as painful menstrual period with
pain in the pelvis and cramping being noted well before and after the menstrual
period as well as during it. Patients also complain of abdominal and lower back
pain.
2.Pain during Sex- Painful intercourse is one of the most common
symptoms with patients recounting pain both during and after the sexual act.
3.Painful Urination& Defecation- The patients also experience
pain while passing their bowels and during urination. However, these symptoms
persist only during menstruation
4.Bleeding- The bleeding happens to be excessive when the concerned
woman suffers from endometriosis. Sometimes, the patient may also bleed in
between two menstrual periods
5.Infertility- Females who seek treatment for infertility may be
diagnosed with endometriosis too
6.Other Symptoms- The extreme blood loss during menstruation is
likely to result in fatigue, depression, constipation & diarrhea as well as
nausea and a feeling of bloating
Causes of Endometriosis
The actual reason of this
condition is not known but research studies mention the following as possible
reasons for endometriosis.
1.Problematic Menstrual Blood Flow- This condition is known as
retrograde menstruation where the blood flows through the fallopian tube to
reach other part of the pelvic area.
2.Genetic Factors- Endometriosis is known to run in the family with
close relatives being diagnosed with it too. Researchers have therefore
concluded that the disease could be inherited via the genes.
3.Faulty Immune System- A compromised or defective immune system is
often unable to identify the endometrial tissues growing outside the uterus. It
has been observed that women with endometriosis also have an associated history
of immune system disorder and certain types of cancers.
4.Hormonal Imbalance- Women with hormonal problems especially an
excessive amount of estrogen is known to develop endometriosis.
5.Surgery- Women who undergo abdominal surgery may have the
endometrial tissue left inside the abdominal cavity by mistake. This is sure to
cause endometriosis eventually.
Treatment of
Endometriosis
The treatment for this condition
may include medication or surgery. The option is left to the concerned doctor
who decides based on the condition of the patient. Some of the most common
treatment procedures include:-
1.Pain Management- This is the initial treatment offered. The patient
is prescribed with pain relief medicines that may be bought over the counter.
The gynecologist may also prescribe medicines for reducing cramping. Often the
pain relief drugs are used in combination with hormone therapy.
2.Hormone Therapy- Apart from supplemental hormones, the doctors may
resort to any of the following depending on the severity of the condition.
3.Hormonal Contraceptives- Birth control pills and vaginal ring help
in reducing the menstrual flow substantially and control the pain
4.Gonadotropin-releasing hormone- These hormones help to reduce the
effect of ovary stimulation and control estrogen production to a great extent.
5.Progestin Therapy- This process includes inserting an intrauterine
device along with oral drugs. It results in ceasing the menstrual periods with
the endometrial implants being capable of relieving the pain as well as the
symptoms.
6.Fertility Treatment- Many of the patients are advised fertility
treatments that may include stimulation of ovaries or IVF. However, the type of
treatment depends on the condition of the patients with the fertility experts
taking the call.
7.Surgery- Removal of endometrial implants can help the patient to
get pregnant with the uterus and ovaries remaining intact. Some doctors opt for
laparoscopy or the traditional abdominal surgery to remove the endometrial
tissue outside the uterus.
Prevention Of
Endometriosis
There is no way to prevent
endometriosis totally. However, the patients can manage their health and lower
the risk to a great extent by trying the following:-
·
Taking hormonal supplements to decrease the
levels of estrogen
·
Aerobic exercise
·
Reducing alcohol intake
·
Forgo caffeine
Visit KIC, Bengaluru if you have
been diagnosed with endometriosis or want to start a family in spite of
fertility issues. Seek an appointment immediately to get the best treatment
possible. Contact us at ------- NOW!
