Endometriosis is a disorder related to the female sexual organs that occurs due to the abnormal growth of the tissues, which form the linings of the uterus. This condition can affect the tissues of the reproductive organs, which include – fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. It gives rise to symptoms such as intense pain and inflammation in the pelvis.
It is manageable with the help of treatment and home remedies. The pain and inflammation alleviate and the condition does not progress with timely treatment. Individuals might develop pain in the pelvis, and they might try to ignore it, but the pain might worsen, which is why, it is necessary to seek medical attention when you have been experiencing pain in your pelvis.
The symptoms of endometriosis may coincide with other sexual disorders. To find the root cause of pain your doctor will order some test reports, which will be the confirmatory test for endometriosis. Once these reports are generated and it is confirmed that you have endometriosis, your doctor will begin your treatment.
Causes of endometriosis
This is a disorder that causes the abnormal growth of the tissues that are similar to the tissues that form the lining of the uterine walls, known as the endometrium. The tissue grows rapidly and spreads outside the uterus to occupy more space, thereby affecting the other organs such as ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The tissues that are disguised as endometrial tissues form thick linings in the uterus. These linings break down and get eliminated from the body through menstrual periods. These mucus walls thus formed can accumulate and fail to get out from the body. As a result, the mucus gets trapped inside which leads to the formation of cysts, fibrosis, scar tissues, and other problems.
Symptoms of endometriosis
- Pain during menstruation – Menstrual pain or cramping during endometriosis is known as dysmenorrhea. Due to the shedding of the endometrial-like tissues along with the period blood, the individual may feel intense pain in their pelvis, lower back, and abdominal region a few days before and after their menstrual cycle.
- Excessive bleeding – This condition can lead to bleeding between periods, known as intermenstrual bleeding. Along with heavy bleeding, the individual also experiences pain in their pelvis.
- Pain during bowel movements or urination – As the waste product moves from the intestines, it can apply some pressure on the reproductive organs, which can lead to pain.
- Pain during sexual intercourse – Penetration can lead to the irritation and stretching of the affected tissues, which be very painful during such a condition.
- Infertility – Issues with infertility may arise, as the abnormal tissues form a thick wall that prevents the egg from implanting in the uterine wall. This condition makes conception very difficult and as a result, issues with fertility arise.
Endometriosis and infertility
The affected tissues act just like the endometrial tissues of uterine linings and enter and get deposited in the other organs such as fallopian tubes, pelvis, ovaries, and even intestines. This unusual growth of tissues can impact the fertilized egg’s ability to get implanted in the walls of the uterus, which makes pregnancy difficult. As a result, thick walls of abnormal tissues are formed inside the uterus, which affects the fertilized egg’s ability to get implanted in the uterine wall, and this is how it causes fertility issues in such individuals.
Diagnosis of endometriosis
Diagnostic evaluation tests are a prerequisite for the treatment. They determine the degree of damage and the severity of the condition. The doctor will suggest several types of tests, which include:
- Pelvic examination – This is done manually. The doctor will check the pelvis by applying gentle pressure with their fingers.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Endometriosis treatment
- Medications – To alleviate the pain, the doctor will recommend prescription or non-prescription medications. Generally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for reducing endometriosis pain.
- Hormonal therapy – The endometriosis pain can be reduced by decreasing the levels of hormones that cause menstrual periods. This therapy can put a halt to menstrual periods temporarily, which helps reduce the pain.
- Surgery –When the condition has become severe and no other treatments are working, then surgery will be the only option.
When to see the doctor?
In case you are experiencing the symptoms related to endometriosis then you must see a gynecologist immediately. If the condition is left untreated, the symptoms might worsen due to the progression of the condition. Endometriosis is a manageable condition, which can be achieved with the help of medications or in some cases the doctor may suggest surgery. Do not try to manage these symptoms with some home remedies, as home remedies without proper treatment will not prevent the progression of the condition and worsening of the symptoms.