Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the one that grows inside the uterus grows on the outside of the uterine cavity. The tissue growing in the uterine wall is called the endometrium. The tissue can grow on other organs in the pelvis, including ovaries, bowel, and the tissue lining of the pelvis. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect the misplaced tissues causing the areas where they grow to be inflamed and painful. With time the tissue swells, thickens, and breaks down. Once the tissue has broken down, it has nowhere to go and ends up trapped in the pelvis. If you suspect you have endometriosis, you should visit Ulas Bozdogan, MD, for more information.
Symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms will vary from one person to the other. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others will experience severe symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, the severity of pain does not indicate the stage of the condition. A patient might be in the early staged and be in agonizing pain while another will have a severe form of the disease and only experience slight discomfort. If you have endometriosis, you will experience the below symptoms.
● Pain. It is the most common symptom. Women with endometriosis experience excruciating menstrual cramps that can worsen with time. They also experience painful bowel movements and pain during or after sex.
● Bleeding and spotting. It is not uncommon for women with endometriosis to bleed in between their menstrual periods. Although the bleeding could be caused by something other than endometriosis so you are advised to see a doctor.
● Infertility is one of the many complications associated with endometriosis.
Causes
Even though the exact cause of endometriosis is not known but there are a few possible explanations;
● Retrograde menstruation. This is where menstruation blood flows back into the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity rather than flowing out of the body. The endometrial cells in the menstrual blood stick to the organs in the pelvis where they grow and thicken
● Surgical scar implantation. After undergoing surgery or a C-section, the endometrial cells can attach themselves to the incision.
● Immune system disorder. When your immune system is not functioning as it should be and it is unable to recognize and destroy any endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus.
Several factors could make you at a high risk of developing endometriosis such as;
● Short menstrual cycles
● Heavy menstrual periods that last over seven days
● Higher estrogen levels than normal
● Never giving birth
Treatments
If left untreated, the condition can disrupt your life. Endometriosis does not have a cure, but it is possible to manage the symptoms. Medication and surgical options are some options to manage the symptoms. The doctors will first stick to conservative treatments before recommending surgery if the condition does not get better. Treatment includes;
● Pain medication. Over the counter medicines can help manage the pain. However, the pain medication should be taken with precaution.
● Hormone therapy. Taking supplemental hormones can help with the pain and also stops the progression of the condition.
● Hormonal contraceptives
● Hysterectomy
This is the last resort if the condition does not improve with other treatments.
There is very little information about endometriosis, but with more education, fewer women have to undergo painful menstrual periods. With the right treatment, the pain can be managed.
