Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background

Endometriosis is a female health condition that occurs when the uterine tissues either grow or attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus will shed as it normally does, but the portion that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the ovulation to menstruation phase, the uterual tissue becomes constantly provoked. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.

The Endometriosis Research Center says that there are more than 7 million recorded cases of endometriosis among women in the United States. It is a leading cause of infertility, gynecologic surgeries and chronic pelvic pain.

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Why Does Endometriosis Occur?

To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.

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Symptoms

Common symptoms of endometriosis would include, chronic pelvic pain, pain in the lower back, dysmenorrhea, irregalur or heavy breathing, and fatigue. 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. Endometriosis can result to infertility, in severe cases.

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 it doesn’t react well, one might need to take prescription medications.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The objective would be to prevent further provocation of the lesions and to shield onself against the onset of related symptoms. 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 will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

If a conservative surgical procedure is ineffective, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy or some other invasive surgical method.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

Quite a number of patients choose to go the alternative route of treatments instead of undergoing surgeries and taking medications. Common alternative treatments would include acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and nutritional programs such as fertility herbs. There is a large amount of literature that supports the use of natural treatments as a wellness tool that can also stimulate the body’s innate defense system and healing action.