Many women are faced with menstrual disorders such as menstrual pain, irregular menstruation, painful sex and the most challenging of all infertility (inability to conceived) but after all efforts in the hospital no solution. A possible cause of this is ENDOMETRIOSIS
Definition
ENDOMETRIOSIS is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.
On monthly bases these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
Every month a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes. Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed – this is then released from the body as a period.
In endometriosis, cells like the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Chronic pain
- Pain during or after sex
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Depression/isolation
- Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
- An inability to conceive
- Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
Causes Of Endometriosis
- The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no definite cure.
HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS
Diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed
Recent research shows that there is now an average of 7.5 years between women first seeing a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis.
If you are having the above signs and symptoms visit your caregiver where a test called Laparoscopy is done.
What is Laparoscopy: An operation in which a camera (a laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis via a small cut near the navel. The surgeon uses the camera to see the pelvic organs and look for any signs of endometriosis.
Complications of Endometriosis
- Painful or heavy periods.
- Infertility,
- Fatigue
- Bowel and bladder problems.
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available for endometriosis aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for a woman living with the condition, however, the following are the treatment options-
- Surgery
- Hormone treatment
- Pain relief
DID YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION?
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Source ENDOMETRIOSIS UK.
