Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition. Endometriosis affects approximately 10 percent of women around the world.
The condition occurs when endometrial cells are displaced outside of the uterine cavity. These cells usually found in the uterus lining can land on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, bowel, bladder or pelvic wall.
The menstruation cycle can be painful, but endometriosis adds a higher level of discomfort. Some women and adolescent girls suffer from pelvic pain. There are people with endometriosis who are asymptomatic.
Cells from the womb lining are able to leave your body via the vagina during menstruation. However, endometrial cells cannot escape. This leads to pain and inflammation. Some women damage their pelvic organs through scar formation and cysts.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is classified into one of 4 stages, specifically I-minimal, II-mild, III-moderate and IV-severe. These are based on the location, extent and depth of the endometriosis implants. The presence and severity of scar tissue also impact and the size of endometrial implants in the ovaries.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, symptoms include period pain. This pain is unable to be relieved by painkillers. Heavy or irregular periods, pain during and after sex, discomfort when going to the toilet, bleeding from your bottom and feeling tired are symptoms. The pain can either be very severe or unnoticeable.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed by surgery. A camera looks into the pelvis to find endometrial cells. The cells are different colours. The pelvis can also have holes. These symptoms are eligible for a biopsy to take place to confirm the diagnosis.
The hormonal changes of your menstrual cycle affect the misplaced endometrial tissue. This shift causes the area to become inflamed and painful, Healthline explains. The tissue will grow, thicken, and break down. Over time, the tissue that has broken down has nowhere to go. It becomes trapped in your pelvis.
This tissue trapped in your pelvis can cause:
- irritation
- scar formation
- adhesions, in which tissue binds your pelvic organs together
- severe pain during your periods
- fertility problems
Make it stop.
The first treatment is over-the-counter medications. Your doctor can recommend the medicine. A hormonal regulator can help to lighten or stop your menstrual cycle. This will decrease the pain. A continuous hormonal pill will stop your periods altogether. If these methods do not work, a diagnostic laparoscopy will be the next step. Burning the endometrial cells treats the symptoms, but only temporarily.
Lupron is a medication that can shut down signals to your cells. It is similar to false menopause and can be taken before or after surgery. Your cells may then shrink or die off.
Exercise and acupuncture are methods of stress reduction. They have shown to benefit people with endometriosis, especially first thing in the morning. Avoid strenuous exercise, sex and large quantities of alcohol during menstruation.
Minimal red meats and maximum fruits or vegetables can decrease your pain during menstruation.
Supplements, such as probiotics, can help your uterus. Probiotics modulate the immune system. Omega-3 reduces inflammation and pain. Magnesium smoothes out the muscle of your uterus, and antioxidants assist with any damage caused by inflammation. Loads of women who have suffered from endometriosis cut out wheat, dairy and caffeine. This can lighten your period each cycle.
Alternative therapies have been helpful for some people. The Chinese perceive endometriosis as a blockage or a stagnation of the flow of energy around the body. Many traditional Chinese healers recommend acupuncture to restore the balance in your body’s system. It improves energy flow and relieves pain.
Removing the uterus, tubes, and ovaries can be a permanent cure in extreme conditions.
Infertility is not definite.
Some women have undergone laparoscopy for infertility. The endometrial cells in your pelvis will inflame and cause the tissues to stick together. This will form adhesions. The normal anatomy will be distorted and prevent the egg and sperm from meeting. The inflammation is also capable of creating a hostile environment for fertilisation to take place. Endometriosis does not destroy your chances of having a baby. It does, however, make it harder for women in their 30s and 40s to fall pregnant.
Dealing with your condition.
Endometriosis is a long term chronic condition. It impacts a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. Some women stop their daily routines because the condition enhances depression and difficulty with relationships.
Every woman copes differently with the experiences of endometriosis. You may find that the symptoms are similar to illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease.
It takes an average of 7 years of experiencing consistent symptoms for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis.
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