Endometriosis- Know its Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

by Indira IVF Indira IVF - Largest Fertility Chain In India

Endometrial tissue comprises of blood cells, gland as well as connective tissue. it usually develops in the uterus to prepare the womb lining for ovulation. Endometrial implants are endometrial tissue build-up which grows outside the uterus. When they develop outside your uterus, they are known as endometriosis.

They can occur anywhere inside the body, but usually grow in the pelvic region. They may cause an effect on lymph nodes, Fallopian tube, ovaries as well as peritoneum. Usually this tissue gets expelled at the time of periods, but the displaced tissue remains there. It causes physical symptoms like pain as the lesions grow bigger, they start affecting your body functions like blocking the Fallopian tubes.

The pain along with the other symptoms affect in different areas of your life such as relationships, work and medical treatments. There are no known endometriosis causes and why it occurs theory available, however, the causes which may lead to it are given below:

Causes

The exact endometriosis causes are still not fully understood, but the possible explanations for this problem are given below:

Problems with menstrual flow: The period blood reaches the fallopian tube and the pelvis rather than leaving the body in the normal manner.

Embryonic cell development: Sometimes, the embryonic cell lining the pelvis as well as abdomen develop and grow into endometrial tissue in that cavity

Surgical scar: Endometrial cells can shift during a surgical procedure like C-section or hysterectomy.

Fetal development: As per revealed data, it has been seen that endometriosis can occur in a developing fetus and the puberty estrogen level may trigger the symptom.

Endometrial cell transportation: The lymphatic system of your body may transfer the cells to different parts of your body.

Genetics: It may also occur because of hereditary issues. A woman with a close family member suffering from endometriosis has higher chances of developing the problem herself. It can run in people with family history

Hormones: It is surely seen to get stimulated by hormone estrogen.

Immune system: If a woman has problem with her immune system, it may prevent the damage of extra-uterine endometrial tissue which may cause the problem

Symptoms

Some of the diseases which mimic endometriosis symptoms are pelvic inflammatory disease, IBS as well as ovarian cysts. The endometriosis symptoms comprise of:

· Intense menstrual cramping which isn’t relived by NSAIDS

· Periods which lasts more than 7 days

· Long term pelvic and back pain

· Heavy menstrual bleeding where you need to change your tampons every hour

· Bowel issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache

· Bloody urine or stool

· Vomiting and nausea

· Tiredness

· Pain during intercourse

· Spotting

Pain is the major indicator of endometriosis but the intensity of the pain doesn’t always relate with the disease extent. Pain often gets relieved with menopause or when the body stops the production of estrogen. Pregnancy may offer temporary relief from the above symptoms.

Treatment

Surgery is advisable, but it is normally prescribed when the other endometriosis treatments fail:

Other endometriosis treatment options comprise of:

Pain medicines: You can go for over the counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or get prescribed drugs from your doctors for the treatment of painful periods.

Hormones: You can also opt for hormonal therapy like hormonal birth control, Gn-RH or Danazol. An IUD device can also be placed.

Fertility treatment: Pregnancy may be suggested through IVF.

Surgery: Surgery can be done to remove the endometriosis but removal of both the ovaries may also be recommended.

Manage symptoms at home

Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medication and chiropractic treatment may be recommended as they show little sign of success. Cut down the intake of caffeine to lower the pain. Exercise like walking may lower pain and slow the growth of condition by lessening estrogen levels. You should monitor the symptoms to avoid any complications and risks. if you experience intolerable pain or unexpected bleeding, then speak to your doctor immediately. though there is not permanent cure for endometriosis but woman can get relieve from the symptoms and still bear kids.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is a challenging procedure as there is not test which can assess it. The only way to confirm is via surgical laparoscopy. It is a minimally invasive process with a laparoscopy which is inserted via a small incision done in the pelvic area. Sometimes, it may take several years to get the right diagnosis in this field.

The other possible diagnostic approach comprises of a pelvic exam, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging and the use of medications such as gonadotropin or birth control pills