Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background

Endometriosis is a condition where tissues normally lining a woman’s uterus grow or attach to organs located outside. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces discomfort.

There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It is a key cause of gynecologic surgeries, chronic pelvin discomfort, and infertility.

What Causes Endometriosis?

Currently, the reason for the occurrence of endometriosis is still not known, but experts propose several possible causes. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.

Signals

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 severe cases, endometriosis can lead to infertility.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Similar diagnostic tests like CAT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound do not usually bear conclusive results. A healthcare practitioner needs to look into the signs and symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.

A Cure for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis still has no cure, however, doctors recommend that certain modes of treatment be applied to help manage it.

Treatment Methods

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. If no effect is evident, prescription medications could be the next step.

Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The goal is to stop the lesions from being aggravated further and to protect against the onset of various other illnesses. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone replacament therapy is the usual recommendation for patients who have been through surgery.

Surgery

Doctors use conservative surgery such as laparoscopy and laparatomy to diagnose the disease, as well as remove the abnormal growths. If this succeeds, it could help eliminate the pain and even raise the woman’s chances of conceiving.

If traditional surgery does not prove to be effective, doctors can opt to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Some of the common and more popular natural treatments are acupuncture, Chinese medicaine, and nutrition-based programs like fertility herbs. There is a significant volume of literature supporting these natural treatments, each promoting wellness while at the same time stimulate the body’s innate healing and defense mechanisms.

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