Endometriosis happens when the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Lesions or implants can form on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic organs. They can spread to some areas away from the pelvis, like the lungs or even the intestines.
Instead, these implants do not exit the body like normal endometrial tissue which sheds during menstruation, which can cause inflammation, scarring and pain.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Symptoms of endometriosis vary from woman to woman. Common symptoms include:
● Chronic pelvic pain: Pain on the pelvic region persisting, usually worsening during menstruation.
● Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Cramping and abdominal pain that is severe and may start days before your period and continue throughout.
● Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia): There is discomfort or sharp pain during or after sexual activity.
● Heavy menstrual bleeding: Sometimes long, excessive bleeding with or without clotting.
● Infertility: But endometriosis can stop you from getting pregnant, as it can affect reproductive organs.
Some of the less common symptoms are fatigue, digestive problems (bloating and diarrhea), problems related to the urinary tract (pain when urinating). If you are facing these symptoms please visit a gynecologist in Lahore.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear, but several theories have been proposed:
● Retrograde menstruation: It happens when menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity and into which endometrial cells grow implanted.
● Hormonal imbalances: This may cause growth of endometrial-like tissue at high levels of estrogen.
● Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of endometriosis makes you more likely to develop the condition.
● Immune system dysfunction: It is possible an immune system impaired in the process of rejecting misplaced endometrial cells cannot recognize or eliminate them.
There are certain factors that increase the risk of endometriosis — including having menstrual periods at an early age, having short menstrual cycles less than 27 days, and having heavy periods.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of endometriosis can be difficult because of its many symptoms, which resemble other conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The usual first step is a thorough medical history and physical examination. Diagnostic tools include:
● Ultrasound: To detect cysts or abnormalities in the reproductive organs by imaging.
● Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): It relays detailed pelvic images to recognize endometrial lesions.
● Laparoscopy: This is a gold standard for diagnosis, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Directly, doctors can view and biopsy the abnormal tissue.
Diagnosis early is important to manage symptoms and treat complications such as infertility in someone with Candida.
Treatment Options
Endometriosis treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, extent of tissue growth and patient’s goal such as preserving fertility. Common approaches include:
Medications
● Pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) available over the counter (like ibuprofen) may help control pain.
● Hormonal therapy: Hormonal IUDs (like Mirena), Mirena and other birth control pills, and GnRH agonists (such as Depo Provera) can help both reduce and stop menstruation — slowing the growth of the endometrial like tissue, although this isn’t a true cure.
Surgical Treatment
● Laparoscopic excision: A method to remove or destroy endometrial implants and preserve the reproductive organs.
● Hysterectomy: At times, other treatments fail, and in severe cases sometimes the uterus and sometimes the ovaries need to be removed. Refer to a gynecologist in Karachi to get this procedure..
Alternative Therapies and Lifestyle
● Diet and exercise: Fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet that can reduce symptoms.
● Stress management: Reducing pain perception and improving overall well being can be done by doing things such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
● Alternative therapies: Treatment with acupuncture and pelvic physical therapy has been shown promising in treating symptoms.
Because each patient’s experience with endometriosis is unique, personalized treatment plans are highly important.
Living with Endometriosis
Treatment for endometriosis goes beyond medical. Some coping strategies are joining support groups, counseling, and educating oneself about the condition. Improving mental health and helping it increase resilience to chronic pain and fatigue can be facilitated by these measures.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a complicated condition that is not known, not diagnosed early enough and not treated appropriately. Knowing the symptoms and causes of the disease and the appropriate ways of its management will help women get timely medical care and live a good life.
