Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background

Endometriosis is a medical condition that happens when the tissues that usually line the uterus multiply or attach themselves to the organs found outside. During menstruation, the uterual lining is shed as per normal, but the portion growing outside the uterus remains. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This could lead to scar tissue formation and some pain and 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.

Why Does Endometriosis Happen?

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.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of endometriosis would include, chronic pelvic pain, pain in the lower back, dysmenorrhea, irregalur or heavy breathing, and fatigue. Women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse and ovulation, painful bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea and constipation. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause 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. A doctor needs to study symptoms of the patient and her medical history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.

Cure for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis still has no cure, however, doctors recommend that certain modes of treatment be applied to help manage it.

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 objective here is to prevent further aggravation of the lesions and guard against the onset of other symptoms. These drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. Hormone replacament therapy is the usual recommendation for patients who have been through surgery.

Surgery

Doctors would usually conduct conservative surgical procedures like a laparotomy or a laparoscopy to find out the nature of the disease and to remove unusual growths found. If this succeeds, it could help eliminate the pain and even raise the woman’s chances of conceiving.

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

Alternative/Natural Therapy

A lot of patients opt to undergo natural types of treatment over surgery and medications. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as natural herbs for fertility. 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.

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