Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue that is like and functions the same as the lining inside the womb (the endometrium) starts to grow outside the womb, usually on the ovaries, the tubes that eggs travel from the ovary to the womb (fallopian tubes), or the pelvis lining. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, with a variety of symptoms, but nobody knows what its actual cause is.
Common symptoms of Endometriosis
The hallmark sign of Endometriosis is pelvic pain that is increased with menses. Of the more general symptoms, the following are included:
- Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps): Usually sharp Pain usually located in the lower mid abdomen or lower back at or with menstruation.
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse): Pain also results from sexual intercourse when most women have dyspareunia with sexual activity.
- Dysuria and painful defecation are usually experienced during menses.
- Hypermenorrhea: Endometriosis may cause hypermenorrhea which refers to excessive menstrual or intermenstrual bleeding in females.
- Infertility: Endometriosis destroys fertility, therefore reducing fertility and infertility in females.
The remaining symptoms would be nausea, bloating, and fatigue but intensity would vary in different cases. While some patients would require treatment for a few minor symptoms, others will experience pain along with a series of complications.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
It is a battle against the current in diagnosing endometriosis since the symptoms, in the majority of cases, are common conditions of another disease such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The initial step towards the diagnosis of endometriosis is always a history and examination. If endometriosis is suspected, scans such as ultrasound or MRI will show old cysts or abnormal growth of tissue. But laparoscopy is a minimalist procedure, where they insert a small camera through the belly, taking a look around looking for endometrial tissue in other parts of the body, and the only diagnostic test of endometriosis.
Treatment for Endometriosis
Despite the absence of a cure for endometriosis, treatment is in the form of symptom control and enhanced quality of life:
- Pain Relief: Mild and moderate pain are managed by nonprescription analgesics such as ibuprofen. In case of profuse pain, medication or hormone treatment can be administered.
- Hormone Treatment: Contraception pills, hormonal intrauterine devices, and other hormone tablets are provided to prevent endometrial growth and pain by avoiding menses.
- Surgery: Severe conditions or infertility instances may be operated on to the extent of eliminating endometrial tissue. Under certain conditions, a hysterectomy would become inevitable, especially among females with no wish to have offspring.
- Fertility Treatment: If endometriosis leads to infertility, then resorting to the application of assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) might be recommended.
- Lifestyle Modification: Certain lifestyle modifications like exercise, diet, and stress management may also contribute to the alleviation of endometriosis symptoms.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a condition that proves to be a great inconvenience for the body and mind of the woman. Early diagnosis and well-planned treatment schedules as per the needs of the patient are very important in life quality as well as in fertility success. If ever you come in with such symptoms indicating endometriosis, a consultation with the health provider cannot be avoided to get a probable diagnosis and treatment. The more we raise awareness, the more we create and the earlier interventions we do, the better the women will be treated for their rightful attention.
