Endometriosis is a disorder in which endometrial tissue that forms the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It is a painful condition affecting up to 10 percent of women.
It is noticed among women between 30 and 40. If left untreated may cause complications like infertility and even cancer. 1 in 10 premenopausal women worldwide.
The growth of endometrial tissue ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus and lining of the pelvis.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Symptoms of endometriosis vary from woman to woman. It can be mild, moderate or severe. But the severity of pain doesn’t indicate the stage of the condition.
Severe painful periods unrelieved with pain killers, Pain during and after menstruation in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic pain.
Infertility or inability to conceive, heavy menstrual bleeding or intermittent bleeding, painful intercourse
Discomfort while urinating or bowel movements, bloody stool or urine, nausea, vomiting or Fatigue
Different Stages of Endometriosis
The stages are classified as follows:
Stage 1: Minimal – small lesions with shallow implants
Stage 2: Mild- light lesions with shallow implants
Stage 3: Moderate – More lesions with deep implants
Stage 4: Severe- The area affecting lesions and implants is severe
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the risk of endometriosis are Early-onset of the period, Short menstrual cycles, Heavy bleeding during periods, Late-onset of menopause, High levels of estrogen, Abnormalities in the reproductive tract, low BMI, If any of your family members have endometriosis.
Complications
The most severe complications include infertility, about 50 percent suffering may have difficulties in conceiving.
The chance of developing ovarian cancer or endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma observed to be higher in women with endometriosis.
Apart from this ovarian cyst, PID, adhesion development, intestinal and bladder complications.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms. Tests that doctor may suggest to are:
A pelvic examination, An ultrasound, CT scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Laparoscopy
How Endometriosis is Treated
If you are not trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control pills. It can lessen pain during your period.
If you are trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It lowers the amount of estrogen and hence the growth of endometriosis.
Pain killer like is given to relieve symptoms of pain. Surgery is done in case of severe symptoms. This procedure is known as laparoscopic surgery where only endometrial tissue is removed.
Hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus and cervix is done if your condition doesn’t improve.
Exercise may reduce pain. Reduce the intake of caffeine as it may worsen the symptoms. Warm Baths or Alternative treatments like acupuncture may help relieve symptoms of pain.
Your diet may also help to reduce the risk of developing endometriosis. Intake of foods like fruits and vegetables, Dairy products, flax seeds, cheese, egg yolks, tuna, fish oil.
Foods that you avoid are Red meat, fast food, processed food, alcohol, smoking.
There is currently no cure for endometriosis. It is important to monitor symptoms to avoid complications.
If you think you may be at risk get yourself diagnosed by a doctor to rule out the possibilities.
References: https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis#treatment https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149109#treatment https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4114145/
It’s a really painful condition. One of my friends is suffering from the same. I’ll be sure to send her this link.
This is a very informative post. So many women go through painful periods but do not realise the reason behind but. Itvis always better to get yourself checked !
Main is period ko jhel chuki hu, bahut lamba period ki soch kar hi dar lagta hai, wo pain, cramp n bleeding, yaad bhi nahi karna chahti
Age kam thi to doctor shuru me medicine se hi treatment de rahe thy lakin 40 ki age me hysterectomy kiya, kaafi bada fibroid n multiple chote bhi thy
Endometriosis is a really painful condition that can lead to grave complications. Awareness and early treatment are the key here. Your post is really valuable in this context as it gives full details.
OMG! This is something all women including me in this age group must watch out for. It can get tricky. Thanks for sharing.
I have hear about Endometriosis but didn’t know that it is actually so painful and have a possibility ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis is a painful condition. It is most common starting of gynecological diseases . Great thoughts.
This is indeed a useful post. Menstrual pain is so common these days. Dint knew about this before. Will advise my sister about this.
This is indeed a painful condition… I was asked to test for endometriosis when I visited my doctor… Thankfully it was negative… Thank you for sharing!
Once I went through this painful experience. It’s really difficult to bear with. After a long treatment, it’s now quite controlled.
Yes this is now common in women, my aunt recently got the uterus removed due to the risk of cancer.
Thanks for sharing this. We women often ignore our problems but it’s time to take it seriously and timwly consult the doctor.
This is definitely a painful condition. Timely checkup n medication , plus right diet help for sure.
I really had no clue about endometriosis. A friend has it and she did talk about painful periods but I didn’t know it was linked to cancer. Will share this informative post with her.
I have heard from many of my friends about it and it’s really painful. Thanks for this informative post. Insightful!
I am a fifth stage endometriosis patient Bushra and am myself creating a lot of awareness about it. I am so glad you chose to write about it
I wouldn’t deny that this post is a little alarming I want to know if this issue occurs at any point of time in our life also if you suffer from PCOD how how problematic this can get?
I have really painful periods… My doctor asked me to get tested for this as well… Informative post!
Endometriosis is very much common chronic pelvic pain in women and is associated with infertility. Great thoughts.
This is a very nice and detailed post. I didn’t knew about this problem but has a friend who recently had major operation because of this.
I was unaware of this disease but looks really dangerous and painful. Thanks for sharing all these detailed info dear.
The risk factors & compplications are very scary indeed of endometeriosis. this post seems to be quite insightful in terms of creating awareness about it.
This is an insightful post for me. This helps me understand the problems of women related to their body. Thank you for sharing this.
This was such a painful experience for me. Still remember those days when I was suffering from endometriosis. It was just a nightmare.