Endometriosis and Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is described as a condition that arises when the tissues that normally line the uterine walls attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus or grow. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces discomfort.
In the United States, the Endometriosis Research Center reports that there are over 7 million cases of endometriosis among women. It is a key cause of gynecologic surgeries, chronic pelvin discomfort, and infertility.
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Why Does Endometriosis Happen?
At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Women can also expect to feel some pain while ovulating or having sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and GI tract conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other laboratory and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CAT scans, or MRIs do not normally lead to conclusive results. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.
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Endometriosis Cure?
Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.
Treatment
Methods to manage endometriosis include:
Pain Medication
Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. It this does not work, one may need to take prescription drugs.
Hormonal Drug Therapy
Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The objective would be to prevent further provocation of the lesions and to shield onself against the onset of related symptoms. These types of drugs include oral contraceptives, progesterone medications, and GnRH agonists. Hormone replacament therapy is the usual recommendation for patients who have been through surgery.
Surgery
Doctors usually determine the diagnosis following conservative surgeries like a laparotomy or laparoscopy and often pass through these procedures to extract abnormal growths. If it succeeds, it will help eliminate pain and increase the chances of pregnancy.
If conservative surgery is not effective, doctors may recommend hysterectomy and/or other, more invasive, surgical methods.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
A lot of patients prefer alternative or natural treatments against surgical procedures and medications. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as fertility herbs. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence in support of these natural therapies which aim to “do no harm” while stimulating the body’s inherent defense and recovery mechanisms to heal itself.
