Endometriosis is a complex condition affecting millions of women globally. Indian women make up 25% of the entire world population suffering from this gynecological condition. This painful condition disrupts the normal routine of a woman’s life. In this condition, the endometrial tissue called the endometrium, which lines the uterus, grows out of the uterus in areas like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and lining of the pelvic cavity. In some rare cases, endometrial tissue can grow in areas like the bladder, cervix, vagina, intestines, stomach, and rectum. This tissue doesn’t get a pathway to exit the body as the tissue that grows inside the uterus does. Tissue buildup can lead to inflammation, scarring, and painful cysts. Sometimes, fibrous tissue can stick together, causing organs to stick to each other.
Endometriosis is a common condition that a large portion of women suffer from. However, there is less awareness about the condition and the ways in which it can disrupt a woman’s daily life. Wellness at workplace programs in offices can help raise awareness about this common condition. In this comprehensive blog, you will gain an understanding on the condition, endometriosis, the signs of endometriosis and its treatment.
How do doctors diagnose endometriosis?
Doctors diagnose endometriosis using a combination of methods. The symptoms of endometriosis vary and are experienced differently by different people. Since the symptoms largely vary among women, the diagnosis becomes difficult. However, a number of physical exams, imaging tests, and laparoscopic procedures are done, along with understanding the medical history of the person. This is how the signs of endometriosis are recognized by proper diagnosis.
What are the signs of endometriosis?
The signs of endometriosis are many. A few of them are as follows:
Painful periods: One of the primary signs of endometriosis is painful periods. Many women suffer from severe, unbearable menstrual cramps and intense pain in the back, pelvic region, and abdomen.
Excessive Bleeding: Another common sign of endometriosis is heavy, excessive, and irregular bleeding. Bleeding in between periods is also common. Blood in the stool or urine is another sign.
Infertility: Infertility or trouble getting pregnant is another one of the signs of endometriosis. This is because of the presence of adhesions – fibrous tissues that stick together in the reproductive organs. Such adhesions can cause scarring and impede the normal functioning of the reproductive organs, causing infertility.
What is the treatment for endometriosis?
Your age, the severity of your endometriosis, your plans for future pregnancies, and the severity of the symptoms that accompany the condition are all factors that can affect the choice of your treatment method or option.
Common treatment options include surgical options and non-surgical treatment options. While these treatment methods can help manage the condition, a complete reversal is near impossible. These treatment methods can help improve the suffering person’s quality of life.
Non-surgical treatment options include pain management and hormone therapy.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin are some commonly used pain medications to provide temporary relief from endometriosis pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the pain, the doctor prescribes the drug. While these are some common pain medications, higher doses or stronger drugs can be prescribed too by the doctor. However, these pain medications must be taken to keep the potential risks in check.
Hormonal therapy options for suppressing endometriosis can include using oral contraceptives or birth control pills, danazol (Danocrine), and progestin therapy. This kind of treatment can help reduce the growth and spread of endometrium by suppressing or regulating the menstrual cycle.
Surgical options like laparoscopy or hysterectomy are used to treat endometriosis. Laparoscopy can provide relief from endometriosis symptoms and improve fertility whereas hysterectomy, i.e, removal of the uterus is performed. Sometimes, in severe endometriosis cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. This can impair fertility. Endometrioma treatment, that is, removal of ovarian cysts is also done surgically.
Other than these, lifestyle changes like improving your diet, practicing regular movement of the body through exercise, yoga or pilates.
It is critical for people with endometriosis to collaborate closely with their medical professionals to create a treatment plan that addresses their unique symptoms.
Conclusion
The unbearable endometriosis pain can occur at any time. As part of first aid training, everyone must be aware of how to support a person during such a time. Endometriosis is a complicated disorder. Its diagnosis, treatment, and support must be approached from all angles. People who have endometriosis can manage their health and well-being better by being aware of the condition’s symptoms, investigating treatment options, and getting the right support.
FAQs
- How does endometriosis impact mental health, and what support options are available?
Endometriosis can severely affect a woman’s mental health besides bringing physical changes.
Chronic pain is experienced by those with endometriosis. This pain, along with fertility issues, can impact them greatly. Therapy and support groups can provide valuable emotional support.
- Can endometriosis symptoms be managed through dietary modifications or supplements?
Yes, dietary modifications and supplements, along with medications and other lifestyle changes, can help manage the condition.
- How can I stop endometriosis from growing?
There is presently no recognized method to stop endometrial tissue from growing outside of the uterus. On the other hand, symptoms can be managed, and problems can be avoided with early diagnosis and proper treatment.
- What are the potential complications or long-term effects of untreated endometriosis?
Early management is essential for properly managing endometriosis since untreated cases can result in persistent pelvic discomfort, infertility, and an increased risk of certain malignancies.