Endometriosis is a chronic condition that has an impact on a woman’s life and one which affects millions of women around the globe. This is when there is abnormal growth of tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus, known endometrium. This misplaced tissue can lead to redness, swelling, formation of scar tissue leading to complications. Keep reading to know more.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Retrograde Menstruation: One cause can be because the menstrual blood backs up in the fallopian tubes before spilling into the pelvic cavity instead of coming out of the womb, which likely provides endometrial cells with the environment they require for the implantation and continued growth outside of the uterus. Get a checkup with a gynecologist for menstrual troubles.
- Embryonic Cell Transformation: This study revealed that hormones such as estrogen could implant embryonic cells as endometrial-like cell implants around puberty.
- Surgical Scars: During an operation such as hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells could grow to the surgical area.
- Immune System Disorders: These disorders hinder the functioning of the immune system that helps the body to identify and eradicate Endo tissues that develop in areas other than the uterus.
- Genetics: It can be inherited and so, there can be a prevalence of endometriosis in families and it is genetically inherited.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal conditions such as estrogen dominance also influence this growth of endometrial tissue.
Symptoms
Pelvic Pain: This is because the majority of women who experience it do so by reporting instances of pelvic pain that is thought to be due to menstrual cramps. It may also challenge the intimacy of a couple with pain during intercourse, bowel movements or urination.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Menorrhagia —heavY periods) and menometrorrhagia —irregular bleeding between the periods) are frequent.
- Infertility: It is estimated that this disease is evident in 20-40% of all women suffering from infertility. The condition has negative implications on the reproductive systems, and thus it poses difficulties in conception.
- Other Symptoms: Headaches and/or migraines, The flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and nausea particularly before menstruation, irritable bowel and/or constipation, bloated abdomen and/or gas.
Treatments
- Pain Relievers: It is recommended to take paracetamol for fever and use analgesic and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to deal with the pain.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormonal contraceptives, including combined oral contraceptives and Gn-RH agonist, Gn-RH antagonist, progestin therapy, and aromatase inhibitors, may also alleviate endometriosis-associated pain by reducing or halting menstrual bleeding.
- Conservative Surgery: However for women who desire fertility, surgeons can perform surgeries that remove endometrial growths without having to damage other organs required for conception.
- Hysterectomy: In the severest forms, the woman may be compelled to undergo a hysterectomy, which entails the surgical removal of the uterus; in some cases, the ovaries might also be removed. It is usually taken to be a final step typically after exhausting all the other options.
Conclusion
It is a chronic and painful condition characterized by vesicular nodular lesions that belong to the group of gynecological diseases. A thorough and specific treatment plan to be launched at the first manifestation of the disease is crucial as well as further treatment which has to be adjusted to the case. Women who have symptoms that might be attributed to endometriosis should see the best gynecologist in islamabad to receive advice on the existing treatment plans for the condition. Further unstudied research and increased awareness is important for moving forward the treatment and the lives of those with this disease.
