Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background
Endometriosis is described as a condition that arises when the tissues that normally line the uterine walls attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus or grow. During a woman’s period, the uterine lining will normally slough off; however the part that grows outside the uterus will remain. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It could tear, break and bleed. This is likely to cause scar tissue formation and some discomfort.
There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It has been found to be the key causes of chronic pain in the pelvis, gynecologic surgeries, and infertility.
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Why Does Endometriosis Happen?
At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Studies to date indicate that the condition may be hereditary.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse and ovulation, painful bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea and constipation. In severe cases, endometriosis can lead to infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic means such as MRIs, CAT scans or ultrasound are normally inconclusive. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health history. In trying to diagnose the disease, the doctor may use laparatomy or a laparoscopic procedure.
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Cure for Endometriosis?
Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.
Treatment
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.
Hormonal 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 types of medications include GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is used especially for patients who have undergone surgery.
Surgery
Doctors use conservative surgery such as laparoscopy and laparatomy to diagnose the disease, as well as remove the abnormal growths. If successful, this would help get rid of the pain and boost the woman’s chances of pregnancy.
If traditional surgical procedures prove ineffective, doctors have the option to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
A lot of patients opt to undergo natural types of treatment over surgery and medications. Common alternative treatments would include acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and nutritional programs such as herbs for fertility. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence in support of these natural therapies which aim to “do no harm” while stimulating the body’s inherent defense and recovery mechanisms to heal itself.
