Endometriosis

Endometriosis Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Endometriosis is a serious medical condition that affects the reproductive organs of the female body. The condition affects about 20% of women of childbearing age. It is accompanied by severe symptoms and can often severely impact the reproductive capacity of those with the condition.

What Is Endometriosis?

The inner lining of a healthy uterus is known as the endometrium. During a typical menstrual cycle, it will thicken and prepare for a fertilized egg. If a pregnancy does not take place, the thickened tissue will break down and bleed at the end of the menstrual cycle.

In women who have endometriosis, the endometrium grows outside the uterus. It can line the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity. This endometrium behaves exactly as it would in typical conditions. It thickens each menstrual cycle in preparation for a fertilized egg. However, since it grows outside the uterus, the tissue cannot be expelled as usual. The trapped endometrial tissue can cause serious complications apart from severe pain during menstruation.

What Are the Different Types of Endometriosis?

There are three types of endometriosis, which are determined by the location of the external endometrial tissue. These are:

• Superficial Peritoneal Lesion: The most common of the three, this type affects the pelvis’s lining.
• Endometrioma: This refers to large cysts forming deep in the ovaries.
• Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis: The endometrium has penetrated the tissue lining of the pelvis and can be found on the bladder and bowels.

Imaging tests can determine the type of endometriosis. These tests are crucial for determining the right treatment plan.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

The main symptom of endometriosis is a painful menstrual period accompanied by cramps. While most women experience some pain during their period, the pain levels associated with the condition are much more severe. Some other symptoms of the condition are:

• Extended menstrual period pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Infertility
• Excessive bleeding during menstrual periods
• Pain during bowel movements and urination

Women can also experience other symptoms like diarrhea, lower back pain, nausea, and bloating during their period.

What Are the Causes of Endometriosis?

Unfortunately, researchers and medical professionals have not been able to identify the exact cause of endometriosis. There are, however, some theories that can explain the condition. These include:

• Retrograde menstruation: Endometrial cells flow backward during the menstrual period and stick to the fallopian tubes or pelvic wall where they grow.
• Transformation of peritoneal cells: In some cases, hormones can cause the peritoneal cells, or the cells of the pelvic wall, to turn into endometrial cells.
• Embryonic cell transformation: Hormones can make uterine cells transform into embryonic cells.
• Surgical scar implantation: Surgical interventions like a C-section can result in endometrial cells attaching to the surgical lesion.
• Endometrial cell transport: The blood circulation system can transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body.
• Immune system disorder: Such a disorder can inhibit the body’s immune system from recognizing endometrial cells outside of the uterus.

When to See a Doctor for Endometriosis?

It is best to seek medical attention from a gynecologist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis. This condition is not easy to treat, and you will need an experienced medical team to help manage your symptoms.

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What Are the Complications of Endometriosis?

The main complication of endometriosis is infertility. Most women who suffer from the condition also have fertility issues.

However, women who do not have an advanced form of the condition can still get pregnant and carry the pregnancy to full term. Women in the latent stages of the condition are encouraged to have children early to prevent future complications with pregnancy.

Endometriosis can also lead to ovarian cancer. You must get screened regularly to avoid such a complication.

How Is Endometriosis Treated?

The treatment of endometriosis involves the management of your symptoms. Your doctor will suggest conservative treatments first before trying out more intensive interventions. These treatments include:

• Pain killers: The first line of treatment is to address the pain caused by the condition. Your doctor might recommend OTC painkillers to manage the same. However, these medicines might not work in all cases.
• Hormone therapy: Your doctor might try hormonal therapy to decrease the symptoms of endometriosis. You must ask your doctor if you will experience any side effects.
• Hormonal contraceptives: Contraceptives work by preventing the growth of endometrial cells. These can be used to address your condition.
• Conservative surgery: If none of the above treatments are working, your doctor might recommend surgery to identify and remove the external endometrial tissue from the pelvic cavity.
• Hysterectomy: As a last resort, a hysterectomy, or the removal of all the reproductive organs, might be recommended.

Your medical team will be able to advise you on the best course of action to manage your symptoms. You might get frustrated with the symptoms as your doctors try the best course of treatment. Seek support groups or counseling during this period.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is often a debilitating condition that can cause severe complications. You must seek medical advice if you suffer from the same. While there is no cut-and-dry solution, your doctors will work to provide a treatment that works best for you.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354661

https://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/endometriosis-causes-symptoms-treatment

https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis#treatment