If you have endometriosis cannot be cured, here’s what you must know! At Medi-Gyn, our experts not only help manage your symptoms but also treat endometriosis for good!
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside of the uterus. Although you may learn about menstruation, irregular menstrual cycles, or reasons for delayed periods, endometriosis is often less mentioned, as it impacts only about 10% of women aged 25 to 44.
This condition leads to inflammation and the development of scar tissue in the pelvic area. While there is no definitive cure, endometriosis can be managed through medication, surgery, and adjustments in lifestyle.
What Causes Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is complex and affects nearly 10% of women worldwide. While some experience symptoms of endometriosis from the onset of periods (primary endometriosis), others develop the condition after childbirth (secondary endometriosis).
While there is ample research around endometriosis today, researchers are still unclear about the exact cause of this condition. Endometriosis is thought to develop due to:
- Reverse menstruation: The endometrial tissue grows backwards into the fallopian tubes and abdomen instead of exiting the woman’s body through the vagina during periods.
- Direct transplantation: The uterine lining-like endometrial tissue forms and attaches to the walls of the abdomen or other parts of the body after surgery, such as a C-section or a hysterectomy.
- Stem cell transport through blood or lymph: Endometrial tissue is transported from the pelvic region to other areas of the body through blood or lymphatic system, similar to how cancer cells spread.
- Genetics: Endometriosis runs in families and tends to affect some women more than others.
A few other factors that are suspected to contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue are:
- Hormones like oestrogen
- Inflammatory tendency of the body
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For!
Endometriosis is characterised by the severe, sometimes excruciating pelvic pain that it causes during periods and sometimes before it or during ovulation. Other symptoms that are common in women with endometriosis are:
- Pain during sex or when using the bathroom
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Heavy bleeding with big clots during periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Depression or anxiety
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Bloating and nausea
- Diarrhoea or constipation during periods
Symptoms of endometriosis usually improve after menopause, but that’s not always the case. If you suspect you may have endometriosis, book a consultation with our experts at Medi-Gyn for a comprehensive evaluation of your hormone levels.
Who is at Risk for Endometriosis?
Many factors can increase the risk of endometriosis, such as:
- A family history of endometriosis (mother, sister, or daughter)
- Abnormalities in the uterus
- Early onset of menstruation (before age 11)
- Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
- Heavy period or menstrual flow lasting more than seven days
However, certain factors may help reduce or suppress the risk of endometriosis, including:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Having the first period after age 14
- A diet rich in fruits
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
If you are living with pain every month during your periods, we highly recommend getting a consultation with our experts at Medi-Gyn. Doctors usually suspect endometriosis based on your medical history, symptoms and overall health. You will also need to get a few blood and hormone tests, along with an ultrasound of the uterus and pelvic area, to assess the severity of endometriosis.
A few diagnostic tools that are used to confirm the diagnosis include:
- Laparoscopy: The doctor makes a small cut in the abdomen to insert a thin tube with a camera at its tip. This allows the doctor to look at tissues inside and around the uterus and spot signs of endometrial tissue growth outside it.
- Biopsy: Tissue is collected from a suspected growth using a small tool and sent for laboratory analysis. This usually confirms the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Endometriosis & Fertility?
Endometriosis is one of the common conditions that have been strongly linked to infertility in females. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, 24% to 50% of women diagnosed with infertility have endometriosis. While mild to moderate cases of endometriosis cause temporary infertility, severe cases might require surgery to help the woman conceive.
How endometriosis affects fertility is unclear, but the scar tissue from the endometriosis may
- Inhibit ovulation (release of eggs from the ovary)
- Block the egg’s path through the fallopian tube
Most women with endometriosis can conceive with the help of assisted reproductive techniques like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Can Endometriosis be Treated?
The main objective in managing endometriosis is to alleviate symptoms and enhance fertility prospects.
Treatment options for endometriosis generally involve:
- Non-surgical approaches: Hormonal therapies, including oral contraceptives, progestins, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, which work by suppressing ovarian hormones.
- Surgical approaches: Procedures such as laparoscopy (a minimally invasive day procedure), laparotomy (a surgical procedure involving an incision in the abdominal wall), and hysterectomy.
At Medi-Gyn, our experts have a novel approach to treating endometriosis. To know more, book a consultation with us today!
Wrapping it up
When discussing irregular periods, conditions like PCOS and endometriosis often come to mind; both can also impact your ability to conceive. Endometriosis, in particular, is a significant contributor to female infertility. If you have been struggling with endo, Medi-Gyn is your light at the end of the tunnel. Our experts not only help you manage symptoms but also treat your condition.
