Endometriosis is one of the causes for pain during periods in many women. Endometriosis is a painful condition that can affect your daily life. With early intervention and treatment, this issue can be managed. Let’s see the causes and treatment for endometriosis in detail here
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS:
The term “endometrium,” which refers to the tissue lining the uterus, is the source of the word “endometriosis”. Due to hormonal changes, the endometrium will grow and shed out during menstruation and form a new lining. When the endometrium is outside the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries then it is called endometriosis. Rarely it can be found anywhere in the body like abdominal walls, lungs, brain, etc., (Endometriosis Extrapelvic).
It is a hormone-sensitive condition. Like monthly periods, endometrial cells which are outside the uterus will grow and bleed due to hormonal stimulation and transform into blood clots. Finally, this will give you problems like pain and scars. The endometriosis deposits in ovaries are termed chocolate cysts or endometriotic cysts. The excessive collection of blood will transform into chocolate colour syrup which finally marks the term as a chocolate cyst.
EFFECTS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS:
* The ovary could be replaced as the chocolate cyst grows
*The growth of the chocolate cyst may also destroy the eggs in the ovary.
*It causes severe pain in the abdomen
*It may cause problems in conceiving
WHO CAN GET ENDOMETRIOSIS:
* One in ten women will have this issue.
*Generally, women between 25 to 40 years of age will have a possible chance of having this problem. But, currently, most teenage girls are also affected by this issue.
*This genetic condition runs in families. If any of your blood relatives have this condition, you are at a high risk of developing it yourself.
* If you have unhealthy eating habits and an abnormal lifestyle, you are at high risk of developing this problem.
SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS:
Some of the symptoms of endometriosis are as follows
*Severe lower abdominal pain before and during periods
*Low back pain
*Having heavy periods
*Married women will have pain during sexual intercourse
You can get endometriosis in any part of your body. Thus, symptoms appear according to the organ in which they are placed. Some may not have any symptoms. So diagnosing this problem is a little difficult way.
HOW CAN YOU DIAGNOSE ENDOMETRIOSIS:
We can identify endometriosis in the ovary by scanning. Endometriosis in the uterine muscle wall which is called adenomyosis also can be identified by scanning. However, it is very difficult to identify the deposits in other parts of the abdomen by ultrasound. Here, laparoscopy is useful.
TREATMENT FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS:
Treatment varies depending on the need of the patient and the presenting symptoms. Some of the treatments include
* Since the primary complaint is pain. Basic pain relievers will work well.
*If there is no relief with painkillers, then hormone treatment will be given. Hormone suppresses ovulation and slows the development of endometriotic cysts, thus relieving pain
*If this treatment is not effective or the endometriosis progress to an advanced stage with complications or if you have any infertility issues then, laparoscopy or open surgery can be done.
TO CONCLUDE:
If the causes for pain during periods (Endometriosis) are identified at an early stage, you can get better treatment. Though it cannot be fully cured, by early intervention you can slow down the process of endometriosis. Consult your gynecologist at the proper time and get treated for this issue.
