Endometriosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that happens when a tissue called Endometrium, that generally lines inside a woman’s uterus, starts growing outside it. This tissue breaks apart and bleeds out like the other uterine tissues during periods, but there is no path for the blood to go. This results in swelling in the surrounding areas. You might have scar tissues and lesions (wounds). It is most common in a woman’s ovaries.
Types of Endometriosis
Based on their location, endometriosis are divided into two types:
Superficial Perineal Lesion - In this condition, you have lesions or wounds on your petroleum. It is considered to be a slim cavity that surrounds the pelvic region. It is the most common endometriosis.
Endometrioma - In this condition, there are fluid infused cysts that form deep in the ovary. These cysts are called chocolate cysts. These cysts do not reciprocate well to any form of treatment and may cause multiple health issues.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Symptoms of Endometriosis include:
- Back pain during periods
- Continuous Menstrual Cramps
- Unusual or Heavy Bleeding during periods
- Diarrhoea or Constipation
- Trouble in Pregnancy
- Blood in Stool or urine
- Heavy Fatigue
- Pain while excreting or urinating, especially during periods
- Painful sex
These are a few symptoms of endometriosis. If you are having these symptoms for a long time, you should see your doctor.
Causes of Endometriosis
There are no exact causes of endometriosis that are discovered. But, according to some experts, it is caused when the menstrual blood containing endometrial cells passes through your fallopian tubes into your pelvic cavity. The cells get stuck in your organs. This is called retrograde menstruation.
Another possible cause of endometriosis are your genes. You are most likely to have endometriosis if your mother or your sister have it. It is said to get worse from one generation to the next
Some women with endometriosis have also shown immune system disorders.
Endometriosis Complications
Pain caused by Endometriosis is so much that it can have bad effects on your day to day life. You can also face mental problems like anxiety or depression. It also increases the risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects endometriosis, they can check it by using these measures:
- Pelvic Exam - In this measure, your doctor might be able to feel cysts or scars behind your uterus.
- Imaging Tests - In this method an ultrasound, a CT scan or a MRI can give detailed pictures of your organs and detect the problem.
- Laparoscopy - In this method a small camera called laparoscope is inserted through a cut on your belly. The doctors are then able to see your lesions with the help of the camera.
- Biopsy - A small sample of tissue is taken during the laparoscopy and is sent for the diagnosis under a microscope.
Endometriosis Treatment
Treatment for endometriosis generally includes a surgery or medication treatment. You must try out different treatments to find the one suitable for you.
Pain Medicine - Various non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory painkillers are given by the doctors to reduce the pain. These medicines included tablets like ibuprofen or naproxen or any other. These are not a permanent solution for endometriosis and can only help in reducing the pain for a short period of time.
Hormones - Hormone Therapy can help you lower the amount of oestrogen created by the body and thus, stopping your periods. If your period stops, the lesions bleed less and there is less inflammation, wounding and cyst formations in or around your uterus.
Surgery - There are two types of surgery to cure endometriosis, based te how big are your lesions:
- In the standard surgery, your doctor only takes out only the affected tissues. You can get pregnant after the surgery. The pain usually comes after the surgery.
- The hysterectomy surgery includes the removal of the ovaries, uterus and cervix. It is usually done in the more severe cases. You can never get pregnant after this surgery.
Lifestyle Changes to avoid Endometriosis
- Eating Right
One of the most important things that affect your body is your diet. You should eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid meals containing trans fats.
- Exercise Regularly
Adding regular exercises to your routine helps in improving blood circulation in your body, encouraging the cells to remain healthy.
Where to get proper diagnosis for Endometriosis
A big problem about any problem in the body is to identify it properly before getting the suitable treatment.
One of the most trusted diagnosis centres is TruScan. It helps you identify the problems in your body with the help of advanced machinery, so you can get proper treatment for your body problems. It is one of the most promised diagnosis centres of Bhubuneshwar.
You must definitely visit there to get an advanced diagnosis for yourself.