It is a common condition that woman have, yet most women have not heard about endometriosis and its symptoms. Women with endometriosis have fertility issues and chronic pain during their period.
According to a Parent Herald report, it is a medical condition affecting a woman’s ability to conceive as well as the stages of her pregnancy. Not only that, this chronic disorder also causes pelvic pain.
“Though most women haven’t heard of the condition, endometriosis plagued women with fertilisation complications and chronic pain during their period,” the report said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis affects roughly 10 per cent (190 million) of women of reproductive age globally.
Because most women are not aware that they have it, their condition is neglected, mistaking its common symptoms as a normal part of their lives.
Women who have endometriosis may experience severe cramps during their period, pain during sex, infertility and fatigue.
They are also more prone to yeast infections, allergies, and they are highly sensitive to chemicals.
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility.
Women could experience either side of the extremes when it comes to symptoms: some would experience nosebleeds and severe migraines, while for some it may be just muscle cramps.
“Endometriosis may affect millions but its main cause is still not distinguished,” the same report said. “It affects women as young as 14, while others experience it during their menopausal years.”
Endometrium
The endometrium is a crucial layer of cells that lines the uterus, making it a pivotal player in the female reproductive system. It’s like the nurturing foundation for potential life to thrive!
This essential tissue is responsible for preparing the uterus for pregnancy each month. If fertilisation occurs, the endometrium provides a cosy home for the developing embryo. However, if pregnancy doesn’t happen, it sheds during menstruation, signalling the start of a new cycle.
Endometriosis Meaning
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Endometriosis happens when tissue, like the lining of the endometrium, develops outside the uterus, meaning, an abnormality. The tissue that grew outside your uterus is not the same as endometrium tissue. However, they may possess common features.
The tissue may grow anywhere in your body. Particularly, it always affects the pelvic area, which includes the following:
- the ovaries
- the fallopian tubes
- tissues that support the uterus
- the outside area of the uterus
Endometrium tissue may also grow in other areas. This tissue can grow in your digestive tract, your lungs, and your heart.
Your body often expels this type of tissue whenever you have menstruation. But, the tissue that grows in endometriosis might remain inside your body, which may result in inflammation. As this tissue decomposes, scar tissue can develop.
What Causes Endometriosis
Doctors and experts do not know what exactly causes endometriosis.
Here are some of the factors that are believed to contribute to the development of endometriosis:
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Retrograde Menstruation: One of the prevailing theories is retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood containing endometrial tissue flows backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body through the vagina. The displaced tissue then implants and grows in the pelvic region, leading to endometriosis.
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Genetic Predisposition: Genetics may play a role in the development of endometriosis. Women with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it themselves.
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Immune System Dysfunction: An impaired immune response in some women may fail to recognise and eliminate endometrial cells that implant outside the uterus, allowing the tissue to grow and cause inflammation.
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Metaplasia: Metaplasia refers to the transformation of one type of tissue into another. In some cases, it is proposed that peritoneal cells lining the pelvic cavity may transform into endometrial-like tissue, contributing to the formation of endometriosis.
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Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones, particularly estrogen, play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and may influence the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Endometriosis is more common during the reproductive years when estrogen levels fluctuate.
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Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may increase the risk of this condition, although specific causative agents are not yet fully understood.
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Inflammation and Immune Response: Chronic inflammation in the pelvic region may promote the adhesion and growth of endometrial tissue in abnormal locations.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Pain is the most common presentation of signs and symptoms of endometriosis. However, the level of pain does not equate to the extent of the disease.
Pain may usually disappear after menopause once your body stops producing estrogen. But, if the person uses hormone therapy during menopause, signs, and symptoms of endometriosis may persist.
What are the first signs of endometriosis?
The first signs of endometriosis can be associated also with pain, as what indication will the condition always shows. Also, you may not notice any symptoms of endometriosis, until you have the following first signs:
- back pain during your period
- pain when pooping or peeing, often during the period
- fatigue that won’t go away
- painful sex
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These first signs of endometriosis may also be similar to what it presents in its foreboding symptoms.
Symptoms of endometriosis may include:
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painful cramping, like menstrual cramps
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long-term lower back and pelvic pain
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periods lasting longer than 7 days
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heavy menstrual bleeding
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bowel and urinary issues, with pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
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urine and stool with blood
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nausea and vomiting
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fatigue
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pain during sexual activity
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spotting or bleeding between periods
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with difficulty in becoming pregnant or infertility
If ever you happen to almost complete the said endometriosis symptoms, you better get to your doctor immediately. Ask for a treatment that can help you resolve this condition.
How Endometriosis Affects Fertility and Pregnancy
Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, can have significant effects on fertility and pregnancy.
The tissue behaves like endometrial tissue during the menstrual cycle, swelling and bleeding, but with no outlet for the waste tissue and blood, it can lead to scarring and adhesions. The condition may cause blockages in the fallopian tubes and the formation of cysts due to trapped blood.
Changes in reproductive organs can also occur when tissues fuse. As a result, endometriosis may impact a person’s chances of becoming pregnant.
Complications for Endometriosis
So, let’s dive into some of the unwanted complications that endometriosis can bring to the table:
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Pain, Pain, and More Pain: One of the most common complications of endometriosis is the excruciating pain it brings along. We’re talking painful periods that feel like a rollercoaster of cramps, plus chronic pelvic pain that can stick around even when Aunt Flo isn’t visiting. Ouch!
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Fertility Issues: Uh-oh, here’s a real bummer. Endometriosis can be a party pooper when it comes to fertility. It may cause damage to your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, making it harder for those baby-making plans to work out.
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Ovarian Endometrioma: Imagine this – endometriosis forming a cyst on your ovaries. Yep, that’s what ovarian endometrioma is all about. It’s like having an unwanted roommate in your ovary, and it can mess with your menstrual cycle and fertility.
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Inflammation and Adhesions: Endometriosis likes to invite its friends, inflammation and adhesions, to the party. These pesky troublemakers can cause your pelvic organs to stick together, leading to even more pain and discomfort.
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Painful Intimacy: This condition can make intimate moments a lot less enjoyable. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) might be on the guest list, making intimacy a real pain in the, well, you know where.
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Digestive Distress: Endometriosis might be to blame for bowel problems like constipation and diarrhoea, causing some extra discomfort in your gut.
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Heavy and Irregular Periods: Endometriosis can mess with your menstrual flow, causing heavier bleeding and irregular cycles.
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Ovarian Cancer: Okay, this one is serious. There’s been a connection between ovarian endometriosis and ovarian cancer. While it’s not super common, it’s essential to be aware and keep an eye on things.
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Quality of Life Impact: Endometriosis can seriously affect your day-to-day life. From missing school or work due to pain to limiting your activities, it’s like having an unwelcome guest overstaying its welcome.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Unfortunately, endometriosis isn’t always easy to detect. Some of us might go through a long waiting game before getting a proper diagnosis, leading to prolonged suffering.
How to Diagnose Endometriosis
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Your doctor may suspect endometriosis based on your symptoms. To verify it, they can do some screenings or tests. These include the following:
- Pelvic exam. The doctor can be able to feel cysts or scars behind your uterus.
- Imaging tests. An ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI can make detailed images of your organs.
- Laparoscopy. The doctor might make a small cut in your belly and will insert a thin tube with the camera on the end (or laparoscope). They can see where and how big lesions are. This can be the only way to be totally agreeable that you have endometriosis.
- Biopsy. Your doctor will take a sample of tissue, often during a laparoscopy. Then, a specialist will look at it under a microscope to verify the diagnosis.
Endometriosis ultrasound
An endometriosis ultrasound is an imaging procedure that helps your doctor determine if you have endometriosis. With endometriosis, pieces of tissue that line your uterus (endometrium) may grow in places outside the uterus, like your ovaries, bladder, and intestines.
The abnormal growth of this tissue may become inflamed, and develop into an endometriosis cyst as what they call endometriomas. Additionally, it may also include unpleasant symptoms, like severe menstrual cramps.
An ultrasound does not provide all the information needed to diagnose this condition. However, it may offer clues so that your doctor can use to approach further steps about the diagnosis.
Endometriosis ultrasound can provide information that your doctor uses to recommend some treatments, too.
Endometriosis Treatment
A range of medications can be employed to manage endometriosis and its symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly used to address pain.
Hormonal medicines, including GnRH analogues and contraceptive methods, can also help control pain. These methods encompass pills, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), vaginal rings, implants, injections, and patches. However, it’s essential to be aware that these methods may not be suitable for individuals aiming to conceive.
For those facing difficulty in getting pregnant due to endometriosis, fertility medicines and procedures can be considered.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove endometriosis lesions, adhesions, and scar tissues. Laparoscopic surgery, which employs a small camera to visualise inside the body, allows doctors to make minimal incisions.
It’s crucial to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual preferences, effectiveness, side effects, long-term safety, costs, and availability.
Can Endometriosis Be Prevented
Currently, there is no known way to prevent endometriosis. However, there is encouraging news that enhanced awareness, early diagnosis, and proper management can slow down or halt the natural progression of the disease.
Taking these steps may also help reduce the long-term burden of symptoms associated with endometriosis, including the possible risk of central nervous system pain sensitization.
While there is no cure available at present, staying informed and seeking appropriate care can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. Remember, early detection and effective management are key, so don’t hesitate to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment approach for you.
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