The tissue lining the uterus is called the endometrium. The condition wherein the endometrium becomes found in other body areas it isn’t supposed to be found in is referred to as Endometriosis. Endometriosis causes the sufferer to irregularly bleed, feel severe pain, and possibly become infertile. Most of the time, “stray” endometrium grow in the pelvic area which include the bowels, ovaries, rectum, bladder, outside of the uterus and pelvic lining. The endometrium - though it rarely happens - may also have a tendency to grow in other tissues.
How Does Endometriosis Develop?
There are some characteristics to take note of to possibly detect early Endometriosis symptoms. These include lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal cramping upon pelvic pain, menstruation, pain during sexual activities, vaginal spotting, dysmenorrhea, back pain, and pain during defecating. Cramping is evident among most women during menstruation. The pain felt during endometriosis is commonly menstruation-associated and is significantly more painful than typical cramps.
The root cause of endometriosis has not been fully known up to now though some theories have been formulated. The presence of loosened endometrial cells caused by menstruation may end up being located up in the fallopian tubes. In addition, an abnormal immune system tends to cause the implantation of menstrual tissue to other inappropriate body areas. This proves that the development of endometriosis can happen spontaneously to the cells lining the uterine cavity. Like many other medical conditions, genetics is a big contributory factor in Endometriosis.
Approximately 1 out of every 10 women suffer from endometriosis and it usually isn’t taken very seriously. This condition is commonly diagnosed as early as the age of 20 or 30. But over time, the problem worsens since it sometimes begins as early as menarche. The endometrium, like the uterus, is highly responsive to hormonal signals. Pain and spotty vaginal bleeding are just a few examples of the responses of the endometrium.
As time goes by, adhesions and scarring may gradually develop above the fallopian tubes - causing infertility. Endometriosis is evident among 35% of all women with a huge chunk of them also having a family history of the disease. Women who had an early menstrual onset and whose menstrual cycles have been constantly regular possess a higher risk of developing endometriosis compared to those who started menstruating at a fairly late age and have irregular periods.
How Can It Be Diagnosed?
The typical confirmatory diagnosis for endometriosis is the pelvic exam. The presence of lumpy tender nodules situated along the posterior vaginal wall usually indicate a positive result. These nodules may also be evident at regions that surround both ovaries. Another test used to confirm the presence of endometriosis is the laparocopy, a relatively easy and routinely performed test. Majority of the patients, though, prefer to begin undergoing treatment once the lumpy nodules are found to be confirmed.
Complications may arise if endometriosis is left untreated long enough. These may include infertility and gastrointestinal or urinary tract blockages (both could occur simultaneously) in severe cases.
What Are The Available Treatments?
Treating endometriosis will depend a lot on how aggressive the patient wants it to be. This is taking into account the fact that the severity of the disease and its symptoms and the desire for having children both contribute to what treatment approach should be used. Some of the things that may be incorporated in the treatment include hormonal therapies, menstrual cycle stoppage, surgery, and pain relievers.
The predisposing and precipitating factors that contribute to the development of endometriosis still remains unknown to date. There also are no known medications that can help prevent the condition or reduce the risks. In addition, virtually any woman can suffer from the disease. That is why a regular appointment with the gynecologist may help with early detection of endometriosis. These visits will also comprise of discussing any possible treatment modalities to choose from. On early diagnosis, endometriosis still may or may not lead to eventual infertility. The likelihood of living a normal life will heavily depend upon proper intervention and management of the disease overall.
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