What is endometriosis and how to treat it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Let's say right away: there is no cure for this. But it is quite possible to make your life easier.

What is endometriosis and how dangerous it is

Let's start with the basic concepts. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. Sometimes it happens that it (to be absolutely precise, a tissue very, very similar to it) begins to grow where it should not be. For example, in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Or (which happens less often, but still) in the intestines, bladder, pelvic cavity.

This condition in which the endometrium extends beyond the uterus is called endometriosis Endometriosis.

And all would be fine, but the endometrium is a hormone-sensitive tissue. During ovulation, when the production of hormones estrogen and progesterone increases, it swells, becomes thicker and friable. In the uterus, it is necessary for the fertilized egg, if any, to find something to cling to for subsequent development.

If the egg is not fertilized, the body gets rid of it. It is for this purpose that menstruation serves. The thickened endometrium also becomes unnecessary, and the body seeks to destroy it and wash it out with the onset of bleeding. But from the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even more from the abdominal cavity, it is not so easy to remove the tissue that has become unnecessary.

Dead endometrium causes inflammation and swelling of the organ on which it has grown. Later, this can lead to the formation of scar tissue at the site of inflammation. Scars can, in particular, disrupt the patency of the fallopian tubes and make it impossible to conceive.

Endometriosis affects every tenth woman aged 15 to 49 years. Facts about endometriosis.

But this is not all the troubles that the disease manifests itself in.

What are the signs of endometriosis

Due to the overgrown in the wrong place, the endometrial tissue, women most often experience the following symptoms.

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) … Pelvic pain and cramping during menstruation occurs earlier and lasts longer than usual.
• Pain during menstruation, radiating to the lower back.
• Pain during sex.
• Discomfort when going to the toilet … Painful symptoms intensify during menstruation.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Difficulty conceiving … Often, endometriosis is first diagnosed in women who cannot get pregnant naturally and are looking for ways to cure infertility.
• Unpleasant sensations similar to digestive problems … Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea during menstruation.

What is important: the severity of the sensations has nothing to do with the degree of the disease. You may have little or no symptoms, but you will have severe endometriosis. Or vice versa: menstrual cramps and other signs are severe, but endometriosis will be minor.

In any case, if you observe at least a couple of symptoms of endometrial tissue overgrowth, go for a consultation with a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct a gynecological examination, suggest you undergo an ultrasound scan and make a diagnosis.

How to treat endometriosis

There is no cure for this condition. Endometriosis. Doctors do not know how to guarantee to stop the proliferation of the endometrium. But there are ways to ease the symptoms of the disease.

1. Taking painkillers

Your doctor may recommend that you take pain relievers based on acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce the discomfort of your period. But it is important to bear in mind that these drugs do not help everyone.

2. Hormone therapy

Taking some hormones slows down the growth of the endometrium and prevents it from thickening and breaking down during menstruation. Your gynecologist can advise you:

• Hormonal contraceptives. Birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings can all help control hormone levels and reduce swelling and pain.
• Agonist and antagonist drugs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH). These medications block the production of estrogen and thus prevent menstruation altogether.
• Danazol. Preparations with this active ingredient also help to stop menstruation and reduce the symptoms of endometriosis.

3. Surgical operation

This is an option for women who want to get pregnant or have severe pain during their period. Most often, the operation is performed by the method of laparoscopy: through a tiny incision in the abdominal cavity, the surgeon inserts an instrument and with its help removes areas of endometrial tissue from the affected organs. Sometimes the same procedure is done with a laser.

This operation has a temporary effect: endometriosis often reappears. But during this period, a woman can get pregnant. Or at least live without menstrual pain for a while.

In the most advanced cases, if the bleeding and pain of endometriosis is severe and cannot be reduced by other methods, the doctor may suggest a complete removal of the uterus and ovaries. But nowadays this method is rarely used. If the gynecologist still recommends this option, at least consult with another specialist.

How to reduce your risk of developing endometriosis

Unfortunately, no way. Science has not yet fully figured out what causes endometriosis. Therefore, generally accepted methods of prevention have not yet been developed.

However, you can try to develop them yourself. Here are the risk factors for Endometriosis that are thought to increase the likelihood of developing endometriosis. If it is possible to avoid any of them, do it.

• Lack of children. In nulliparous women, endometriosis is much more common.
• Menstruation that began at an early age (before 10-11 years).
• Short menstrual cycle (less than 27 days).
• Prolonged periods (longer than 7 days).
• Low body mass index.
• Heredity. If your mother, aunt, and sisters have endometriosis, your risks are increased.