What is Endometriosis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

You have probably heard of endometriosis, but do you understand what is endometriosis? It is a disorder where tissues similar to the lining of your uterus grow outside of the uterus. You may have thought it was rare but it affects about one in 10 women during their reproductive years. The symptoms can be often noticed, but the good news is some treatments can help. In this article we are going to elaborate on endometriosis by exploring exactly what it is and its signs of endometriosis, diagnosis, treatment options available, and some self-care tips. There is no need to suffer in Silence, this article will help you to understand all about it. By understanding this, you can consult with your doctor to find the best way to manage symptoms and even minimize the complications.

What is Endometriosis?

A common problem among women, endometriosis gets its name from the word 'endometrium' or the tissue that lines the uterus (womb). It occurs when this tissue lining grows outside the uterus on other organs or structures of the body (endometrial implant). Most often, it occurs on the following:

1. Ovaries
2. Fallopian tubes
3. Outer surface of uterus
4. Tissues that hold the uterus in place
5. Lining of the pelvic cavity
6. Growth may also occur in the vagina, cervix, vulva, bladder, bowel or rectum, and very rarely in other parts of the body like the skin, brain or lungs.

It is a medical condition whereby the endometrium, which is tissue lining the uterus, grows outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on various pelvic structures like ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Endometrial tissue can go beyond the pelvis in rare cases.

The endometrial tissue thickens and then breaks down during a woman's menstrual cycle before being expelled as menstrual blood. However, this tissue cannot leave an individual's body when it is located outside of the uterus in persons affected with endometriosis. This may lead to painful cysts, adhesions (scar tissues), and inflammation. It should be noted that over time, pain can result from abnormal accumulation of endometrial tissue in abnormal locations; fertility problems and other complications may arise.

Endometriosis Causes

Causes of endometriosis is one of the most common health problems in women. It most commonly occurs in women in 30s and 40s. Though the exact cause of the disease is not known, some theories for its occurrence include:

1. Retrograde menstruation - It is the most likely cause for the condition in which menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flow back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, instead of coming out of the body. These endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and organs where they continue to grow, thicken and bleed over the course of each menstrual cycle.
2. Embryonic cell growth - Cells in the pelvic and abdominal cavities both originate from embryonic cells. It may develop when a small section of abdominal cell lining turns into endometrial tissue instead of abdominal cells.
3. Surgical scar implantation - Endometrial cells can attach themselves to a surgical incision formed during the course of a C-section or hysterectomy surgery.
4. Transport of endometrial cells - Endometrial cells may be transported to other parts of the body through blood vessels or lymphatic fluid.
5. Immune system disorder - The body may be unable to recognise and destroy the abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus in presence of an immune disorder.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of endometriosis is a chronic disease that has many different presentations and degrees of severity. These include pelvic pain, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), pain during or after sex (dyspareunia), and infertility among others. In addition to these symptoms, no one knows for sure what causes endometriosis but it mainly affects women between puberty and menopause.

The most common endometriosis symptoms are pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen or lower back, predominantly during menstrual period. The severity of pain depends on the extent of the condition, though some women may not feel any pain despite a large diseased area. These include:

1. Painful menstrual cramps
2. Chronic pain in pelvis and back; intestinal pain
3. Painful sex
4. Painful urination or bowel movement during menstrual period
5. Spotting or bleeding in between menstrual period
6. Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
7. Fatigue

Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms: From Mild To Severe

The signs and endometriosis symptoms can range from mild to severe. You should pay attention to your body and don't ignore these abnormal symptoms. Here are:

1. Painful periods: if your cramps are extensively painful and last longer than 2 to 3 days or interfere with your daily activities then it is a sign of this condition. Many over-the-counter pain relief medicines can help you to get rid of periods of pain.

2. Infertility: roughly 30 to 50% of those who suffer from it experience fertility issues and trouble conceiving. The endometrial tissue can obstruct the fallopian tube or irritate the reproductive organ. Which can create complications related to fertility. It will block the fallopian tube from entering the reproductive material.

3. Chronic pelvic pain: a dull pain in your lower abdomen that last for more than 6 months could cause two endometriosis. Mostly one out of 10 women suffer from chronic pelvic pain stop the pain may get worse over time or during the period. Pelvic pain is basically due to the hormonal imbalance in the body which is caused by it.

4. Heavy or irregular bleeding: Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding is the primary or defining symptom of endometriosis, it is acknowledged that some individuals with endometriosis may experience variations in their menstrual cycle. Endometriosis is a complex condition with diverse manifestations, and the severity and range of symptoms of endometriosis can vary among individuals. In certain cases, women diagnosed with endometriosis may indeed encounter heavy or irregular bleeding as part of their symptom profile.

5. PainFull sex: Painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia, is indeed recognized as a symptom commonly associated with endometriosis. This gynecological condition involves the abnormal growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus. The presence of endometrial tissue in areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining can lead to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions.

You don't need to suffer in silence the earlier endometriosis is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated or managed symptoms. Talk to your gynecologist right away about your persistent symptoms or complications there are many options available for finding relief from the painful disorder.

Endometriosis Stages

The stages of endometriosis typically follows four stages:

Stage one: Minimal

This is the earliest stage of endometriosis in which small implants and lesions are found outside the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. At this point, symptoms are typically mild and basic. there are no painful complications observed in this stage. you may experience a little discomfort beyond normal mensuration. As no painful complications occur only because it is the most minimal stage of endometriosis progression.

stage two: Mild

In the mild stage, the condition becomes more advanced or more widespread in plants and lesions develop, which may cause pain and fertility issues. In stage 2, a small number of painful complications start to occur but these are not enough signs of endometriosis to diagnose endometriosis. Dysmenorrhea or period cramps, pain with intercourse, and ovulation pain become more noticeable during this stage. Cysts which are known as endometriomas may form over the ovaries.

Stage 3: Moderate

In stage 3 endometriosis, individuals typically exhibit the widespread presence of endometrial implants and adhesions throughout the pelvic region. These implants may involve various pelvic structures such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the peritoneum. The severity of adhesions and scarring may lead to distortion of pelvic anatomy and increased difficulty in achieving pregnancy. Additionally, women with stage 3 endometriosis often experience more pronounced symptoms, including significant pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), and potential pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).

Stage 4: severe

Deep in plants penetrate the pelvic lining and bowel, bladder, intestine, and rectum. Endometriomas also expand, and densely causes organs to fuse. In this stage pain is chronic and debilitating. Fertility is unlikely without the treatment. A hysterectomy may be recommended if symptoms cannot be managed otherwise it cannot be treated.

Knowing the stage of endometriosis helps to determine the best course of action. The earlier you diagnose and treat, the better your chance of managing symptoms, improving fertility, and flowing the progression. But take heart endometriosis treatable at any stage and ongoing research to improve the diagnosis, management, and treatment options.

Which specialist should be consulted in case of signs and symptoms?

Women experiencing symptoms must consult a gynecologist (doctor who specializes in disorders of the female reproductive system).

Diagnosis of endometriosis

Getting diagnosed with this condition can be a long and frustrating process. The only way to confirm an endometriosis diagnosis is through laparoscopic surgery, but doctors will first right to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.

To determine if your symptoms match endometriosis, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do an endometriosis test like a pelvic exam. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail, especially the severity and timing of your menstrual pain, fertility issues, and pain during or after sex. Blood tests may check for signs of inflammation in the body that can occur with endometriosis.

If the exam and test suggest endometriosis as a likely diagnosis, your doctor may 1st recommend trying hormonal therapy to relieve symptoms, before proceeding to laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses a small inception to insert a thin scope with a light and camera, allowing the doctor to view the pelvic area directly and take biopsy samples if endometriosis lesions or cysts are found.

Getting an accurate endometriosis diagnosis and starting an effective treatment plan can take time so be patience about that. Be your advocate, track your symptoms closely, and don't hesitate to get a second opinion from doctors experience in endometriosis. Tests to determine the presence of endometriosis include:

1. Pelvic exam - The doctor manually feels the areas in the pelvis for abnormalities like cysts or scars.
2. Ultrasound - High-frequency sound waves create images of the reproductive organs, which are then captured by a device called a transducer. The transducer is pressed against the abdominal skin or inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). Ultrasound can identify cysts associated with endometriosis.
3. Laparoscopy - This is a confirmatory test used for endometriosis. Performed under general anaesthesia, a surgeon makes a tiny incision near the navel to insert a viewing instrument known as laparoscope to view the endometrial implants, and determine the location, extent and size. It can also be used to take samples of tissue for biopsy.

Endometriosis Treatment

The treatment for endometriosis approach depends on the severity of the sign and symptoms and whether the patient hopes to become pregnant. Options include endometriosis medication.

1. Pain medication

Painkillers like Ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to alleviate the pain. There are also prescription drugs that may help relieve severe pain, while hormonal therapy is another option. These drugs have some side effects like headache, weight gain, and libido grades. Tests do not cure endometriosis but they offer relief from some of its symptoms.

2. Hormone treatment 

Hormonal therapy is a common and effective treatment for managing Endometriosis symptoms. The main aim of hormonal therapy in endometriosis is to regulate or suppress the menstrual cycle, reducing the growth and activity of endometrial tissues outside the uterus. To manage endometriosis, various hormonal medications are used such as GnRH agonists, aromatase inhibitors, progestins, and birth control pills. Birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin which work to stabilize hormonal fluctuations resulting in reduced stimulation of endometrial growth.

• Birth control pills - These decrease the amount of menstrual flow and prevent overgrowth of tissue that lines the uterus. Pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. A woman can get pregnant again once she stops the medication.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists - These drugs reduce the levels of estrogen in the body, completely stopping the menstrual cycle. However, a low dose of estrogen or progestin is commonly prescribed along with them to prevent menopause-like side effects. The monthly periods and ability to conceive return when a woman stops taking the medicines, and symptoms of endometriosis may stay away for months and years.
• Progestin - Hormone progestin works against the effects of estrogen, helping to shrink the excess tissue. Though menstrual periods stop, irregular vaginal bleeding may occur.
• Danazol - It is a weak male hormone that lowers the effect of estrogen and progesterone. Periods stop or may come less often. This medication does not prevent pregnancy, though it can harm a growing baby in the uterus. It cannot be used in combination with other drugs like birth control pills.

3. Endometriosis surgery 

Endometriosis surgery works best for severe conditions and involves the removal of growth, and scar tissue or burning them away, without affecting the healthy tissue around them. The following procedures may be used:

• Laparoscopy - Used for both diagnosis and treatment, laparoscopy removes the excess tissue growth or burns it away. Recovery is much faster than that from abdominal surgery.
• Laparotomy - It involves a large cut in the abdomen to reach into and remove the endometrial growth in the pelvis and abdomen.
• Hysterectomy - In cases where endometriosis has severely affected the uterus and/or ovaries, the surgeon removes these organs to ensure that endometriosis will not return. A woman cannot get pregnant after this surgery, and it is usually the last treatment resort.

Laparoscopic surgery

Endometriosis laparoscopic surgery is commonly used to manage endometriosis, which is a condition that affects fertility or when the symptoms are severe. This technique requires minimal invasion and enables doctors to deal with endometriotic lesions accurately. To treat endometriosis, during laparoscopic surgery, small cuts are made on the stomach and a laparoscope is inserted. The pelvis organs can be visualized by this equipment so that the surgeon can identify lesions caused by endometrial tissue and also cysts, adhesions, or scar tissues. In addition, these specialized instruments can cut out or burn off (destroy) these abnormal growths of tissues from around it.

Other: alternative therapy like acupuncture can remove or get relief from endometriosis by destroying the endometrial tissue and adhesion. this may reduce the pain caused by endometriosis repeat surgery may needed as endometriosis can Return.

Read more: 12 Endometriosis Self-Care Tips

What should you eat in endometriosis?

To help manage endometriosis symptoms focus on an anti-inflammatory diet. Some key points to remember about the endometriosis diet:

• Limit red meat and instead choose plant-based protein sources like beans, nuts, and seeds. These foods are less inflammatory.

• Increase your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids which have natural anti-inflammatory effects. Add more fatty fish like Salmon, sardines, and trout to your diet. You can take a supplement of fish oil.

• Load up on Fresh Food like fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables and broccoli along with barries. These foods are packed or loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to compact the inflammations in the body.

• Cut down on Sugar and process carbohydrates like white bread and pasta these hike insulin levels which may promote inflammation.

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. This will help you to flash the toxins out and promote bowel movement. Both of these can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms when not functioning properly.

• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and other additives and preservatives than possible. These two can irritate the body and stimulate the inflammation.

Making these dietary changes will help you to reduce inflammation and boost the nutrition inside your body. While dying alone will not eliminate symptoms, every step toward optimal health counts. Give this recommendation a try and be patient it will take time to adjust the body and decrease the inflammation. Sticking with an anti-inflammatory diet will have many benefits for your endometriosis and overall health.

Complications of endometriosis 

• Impaired fertility - Endometriosis may obstruct the fallopian tubes and prevent the egg and sperm from uniting. It can also cause damage to the egg or sperm.
• Ovarian cancer - Ovarian cancer occurs at higher rates in women with endometriosis.

Is there any risk to other family members of having the disorder?

Endometriosis sometimes runs in families as it may be carried in genes, and family members of patient (mother, aunt, sister) may be more likely to get it.

Precautions or steps are necessary

Women dealing with endometriosis can take certain measures during their course of treatment:

1. Relieve discomfort - Warm baths, heating pads and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can ease cramping and pain.
2. Regular exercise - Staying physically active can help improve symptoms.
3. Support group - Joining a support group for women with endometriosis or fertility problems and sharing experiences can help deal with the condition and its complications.

Conclusion

So now that you have got all about endometriosis, you are armed with the knowledge that you need. You understand the symptoms to watch out for and the best way to find relief. While endometriosis is frustrating to deal with, the good news is there are more treatment options available nowadays. The most important thing is advocating for yourself and working with a doctor who will take your pain seriously. Staying on top of the latest research and connecting with others in the endometriosis community can help you to feel less alone. Endometriosis may be a lifelong condition, but with the right here and support, you can live well despite the pain. The future is bright so keep your heads up together we are gaining ground on this disease each day.

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