Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder that can cause you to have painful periods, and it may even interfere with your ability to become pregnant. It can cause a range of symptoms that mimic other health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, which is why it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here's a look at the symptoms and treatments for endometriosis.
The Symptoms Of Endometriosis
A common symptom of endometriosis is painful periods. The endometrium is the lining of your uterus that sheds every month when you have your period. Endometriosis is a condition where this uterine lining grows outside of your uterus and continues its usual activity of changing its thickness throughout the month along with your hormonal changes. Endometriosis can develop in various organs of your body, but it is most common in your reproductive organs such as your ovaries and fallopian tubes. The constant irritation can lead to scarring and adhesions. This can cause pain and cramping during your menstrual cycle and even on the days before and after your cycle.
Other symptoms include painful sex, abdominal cramping, and pain, and inability to become pregnant. You may also experience nausea and diarrhea. You may have severe and intense symptoms or very light symptoms. You may learn you have the condition when you undergo testing to find out why you can't get pregnant.
Treatments For Endometriosis
Your gynecologist works closely with you to devise a treatment plan when you have endometriosis. Several factors affect the best treatment for you such as your age and if you plan to become pregnant. The symptoms of endometriosis generally stop once you stop having periods. If you are diagnosed later in life, you may not want to undergo treatments. If you don't plan to become pregnant and you aren't experiencing severe pain, you may not need treatments earlier in life either. If the pain is an issue, your doctor may try hormonal treatments or surgery. However, if you're trying to get pregnant, the treatments may include surgery and fertility treatments instead. Surgery for endometriosis involves scraping away the uterine lining that is blocking the fallopian tubes, or that's causing adhesions and pain. In advanced cases, surgery might include a hysterectomy.
If you have uncomfortable symptoms associated with your period, it's a good idea to let your gynecologist know about it no matter what your age. A pelvic exam along with imaging studies can help the doctor determine if you have endometriosis or another gynecological problem such as fibroid tumors. Getting a proper diagnosis from your gynecology office is the first step to successfully managing endometriosis so you can stop the pain and overcome infertility if possible.