Understanding Endometriosis: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Affecting nearly 42 million women in India, endometriosis is a painful condition that makes life more challenging for those who suffer from it. Endometriosis is a severe, chronic and debilitating condition, and the numbers from India reveal a staggering 25% of the world population that is plagued with this painful condition. Disrupting a woman’s day-to-day life, this condition can make living life hell. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, and there are no proper prevention or treatment methods. However, this condition can be managed, and women who are diagnosed with the condition can learn ways to manage this condition effectively. This blog will help you understand the condition, the symptoms, treatment, and management methods, and what endometrioma is, a condition related to endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which a tissue, called the endometrial tissue, grows extra and outside the uterus in various places like the fallopian tubes, ovaries and lining of the pelvic cavity. The extra lining can also develop in areas like the bladder, cervix, vagina, intestines, stomach, and rectum in some rare cases. All of this can cause intense pain as the tissue that grows does not have a pathway to exit the body, as in the case of when the tissue grows in the inner lining of the uterus. In endometriosis, this tissue buildup can cause scarring, inflammation and cysts that can be very painful. In some cases, these fibrous tissues stick to each other, eventually sticking the organs together.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors
Although the exact causes of endometriosis are not known, certain factors have been speculated to be responsible for it. We will also explore some possible risk factors for developing the condition.
- Endometriosis may be caused when menstrual blood fails to dispose of itself from the body. Instead of flowing out of the body, it flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. This blood contains endometrial cells from the inner lining of the uterus. These cells stick to the pelvic lining and the organs surrounding it. It stays there and continues to grow and bleed.
- Specific cell changes, like that of the peritoneal cells of the inner abdominal lining and the embryonic cells, transform due to immune or hormonal factors into endometrial cell growths.
- Sometimes, endometrial cells grow on the area from a cut or scar made during surgery, like a C-section, to the stomach area.
- Endometrial cell transport can occur through the blood vessels to other body parts.
- In some cases, the immune system could be faulty, failing to recognize and break down endometriosis tissue.
- Now, several factors increase the risk of developing endometriosis. These include starting your period at a very young age, never giving birth, shorter menstrual cycles, heavier periods, extremely high levels of estrogen, low body mass index, or even going through menopause too late in life.
- The chances of getting this chronic condition, endometriosis, are higher if somebody else in your family also suffers from it. Also, if you suffer from any medical condition that makes it difficult for blood to exit your body during periods, then that can also be considered an endometriosis risk factor.
Recognizing the Signs of Endometriosis
Common signs of endometriosis include:
- Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most common signs of endometriosis.
- Pain during menstruation, intercourse, or bowel movements.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular periods.
Less typical or atypical symptoms include:
- Fatigue, bloating, and digestive issues.
- Infertility and difficulty conceiving.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, remember to consult a doctor immediately. If the pain is too severe to start interfering with your daily activities, it is a warning sign, and you should get immediate help.
Endometrioma: A Complication of Endometriosis
Endometrioma is a complication of endometriosis in which cysts develop in the ovaries. These cysts are filled with dark brown endometrial fluid that resembles chocolate syrup, which is why they are commonly referred to as ‘chocolate cysts’. Endometrioma is very common and is found in nearly 30-40% of the women experiencing endometriosis.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis and Endometrioma
For ovarian endometrioma treatment, laparoscopic cystectomy is used. This entails ovarian rebuilding, temporary ovarian suspension, and the excision of the endometrioma cyst’s lining.
Living with Endometriosis
Endometriosis can not only affect a woman physically. When the physical symptoms start to manifest in ways that make daily living difficult and painful, then it becomes necessary to manage the signs of endometriosis so that they don’t affect your quality of life.
The following are some ways in which you can manage the signs of endometriosis:
Coping Strategies: Learn to manage chronic pain through different exercises. Yoga can be extremely beneficial for endometriosis pain and improve your emotional well-being. If you are not in a condition to engage in hardcore workout sessions, you can also try out pilates and light stretching.
Building a Support System: Surround yourself with a healthy group and have supportive people around you. Joining a group that can encourage and motivate you and provide solace in times of distress can help you better deal with your condition.
Importance of Regular Monitoring: If your condition is chronic, follow your treatment thoroughly. Remember to take proper medications as prescribed by your doctor. Regularly monitor the signs of endometriosis you experience and follow up with your personal healthcare provider. After consulting, treatment plans can be adjusted as needed.
Conclusion
Although endometriosis may be difficult to live with, knowing what it is, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment options are available to you can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Even though there is no known treatment for endometriosis, you may manage the illness more efficiently if you have a strong support network, frequent medical checkups, and the appropriate coping mechanisms. It’s also critical to speak up for your health, get medical advice on time, and keep up with any changes in therapy or services that may interest you. You can overcome endometriosis by being proactive, reaching out to those who have been there before, and developing resilience.