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What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain and Infertility. This displaced endometrial tissue responds to hormones in the same way as the endometrium inside the uterus and thickens, breaks down and bleeds each month during the menstrual cycle. However, the blood has no way to leave the body. This internal bleeding causes inflammation, pain, scar tissue and adhesions.
Causes of Endometriosis
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, experts believe it may be due to retrograde menstruation, which is when a small amount of menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity, rather than exiting the body. Genetic factors and problems with the immune system are also thought to play a role. Having a close female relative with endometriosis increases your risk.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include:
– Severe menstrual cramps and pain in the lower back and abdomen during periods. The pain may be worse during intercourse, bowel movements and urination.
– Heavy or irregular periods and bleeding between periods.
– Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or pain with bowel movements around your period.
– Exhaustion.
– Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing pelvic adhesions and painful intercourse.
Diagnosis
To diagnose endometriosis, a doctor may:
– Perform a pelvic exam to check for signs of endometriosis including tenderness, nodules and adhesions.
– Order an ultrasound of the pelvis to detect cysts or abnormal growths.
– Perform a laparoscopy to visually inspect the pelvic organs and confirm the presence of endometrial growths through a tiny incision. Biopsies can also be done to examine the tissue samples.
– Consider nonsurgical diagnostic techniques like MRI if a clear diagnosis cannot be made.
Treatment Options
Treatment aims to reduce pain and possibly improve fertility by removing or destroying endometrial growths, preventing further deposits and lessening menstrual bleeding. Options vary depending on a woman’s symptoms, severity of disease, fertility goals and more.
Lifestyle Changes
– Exercise regularly to improve overall health and reduce stress and pain levels naturally. Gentle workouts like swimming or yoga are recommended.
– Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, massage or seeing a therapist. High stress levels are linked to more intense pain.
– Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking which can worsen symptoms.
– Try an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and plant compounds.
Pain Relievers
– Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve cramps and discomfort between periods.
– Prescription strength NSAIDs, hormones or opiates may offer relief for more severe pain.
Hormonal Therapy
– Birth control pills or contraceptive implants, patches or rings to suppress ovulation and reduce bleeding. They can significantly relieve symptoms in many women long-term.
– Progestin-only pills or injections stop ovulation for added pain relief compared to combination birth control pills.
– Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) like Lupron put the body into a temporary menopause-like state to stop menstrual and endometrial tissue growth for 3–6 months at a time. They provide relief but symptoms return within a few months of stopping treatment. Side effects include menopausal symptoms.
Surgery
– Diagnostic laparoscopy to visually inspect the pelvic organs.
– Operative laparoscopy to remove visible endometrial growths using tools like lasers. It aims to treat pain and improve chances of future fertility.
– Laparotomy is an open abdominal surgery used for more extensive or severe cases. It provides the best view of the pelvis but has a longer recovery than laparoscopy.
Other Therapies
– Acupuncture may relieve pelvic pain with few side effects and can complement medical treatment.
– Physical therapy teaches relaxation techniques and strengthens abdominal/pelvic muscles to support the uterus and improve pain levels.
– Alternative therapies like herbal medicine and supplements are used by some but their effectiveness is still being researched.
Prognosis
With treatment, many women with endometriosis experience significant relief from symptoms. Long-term hormone therapy or multiple surgeries may be needed to fully clear away endometrial growths in severe cases. Successful management often depends on the stage or extent of disease at diagnosis. Fertility can usually be improved or maintained in many cases but may still be reduced compared to women without endometriosis. More research continues on new therapies.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile
