Endometriosis - What is it, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Endometriosis is a complicated condition in which an abnormal tissue growth develops outside the uterus. The tissue or the lining that is present inside the uterus is known as endometrium. But, if the similar tissue grows outside of the uterus, then it could result in a very painful disorder and would call for immediate attention.

This disorder not only affects the uterus but other regions close to it as well. It can also occur around the ovaries, bowel, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes and peritoneum. Research suggests that at least 1 in 10 women are victims of Endometriosis. Any woman who is currently undergoing her menstrual period can encounter this. There are a ton of complications associated with Endometriosis and prove to be very harmful if not treated in due time.

Now that we have understood what Endometriosis is, let’s understand how we can identify it and work towards treating it with the help of a doctor:

Symptoms of Endometriosis

- You may experience lower Back pain and pelvic pain (long term)

- Your Periods might last for more than 7 days

- You may experience excessive bleeding, in which case you have to change your sanitary napkin/tampon every 1-2 hours

- Your urine or stool may have blood in it

- You may experience Nausea

- Spotting may occur between the regular menstrual cycle

-You may encounter excessive pain during sexual intercourse

Causes of Endometriosis

- Retrogade Menstruation - In this case, the usual menstrual cycle process is not followed. Instead of the blood leaving your body, it flows back through the fallopian tubes and enters the pelvic cavity, where it continues to shed with every menstrual cycle.

- Genetics – Genetics also plays an important part in determining whether you can contract Endometriosis or not. If someone in your family is already suffering from this disorder, the chances of you contracting it rapidly increase.

- Transport of Endometrial Cell - Here, the blood vessels or the lymphatic system transfer the Endometrial cells to various parts of the body.

- Hormones - Endometriosis can be easily braced by the Estrogen Hormone.

- Immune System Disorder - A Bad immune system can act as a seed for the growth of Endometriosis and further aid it’s development. It does so by averting the eradication of the endometrial tissue.

- Age - Age is another factor which determines the onset of Endometriosis. Age can lead to a lot of hormonal changes in your body and even though we aren’t aware of all of these changes, it is said that this disorder is common in women ranging between 30 to 40 years of age.

- Daily Habits - Women these days encounter increasing amounts of stress, with their busy work lives and multiple responsibilities outside of work as well. Burdened under this surmounting amount of stress, they aren’t able to take care of themselves and their bodies. This might lead them to consume caffeine and alcohol occasionally, with exercise being on the back burner for days. The culmination of these habits can lead to the development of Endometriosis.

Treatments for Endometriosis

- Medications - OTC aka over – the – counter (nonsteroidal) drugs – Ibuprofen would help in the treatment of Endometriosis.

- Hormonal Therapies -There are ample Hormonal Therapies that are available to treat Endometriosis such as:  

       - Gonadotropin -releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists-                  Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) or Danazol

       - Intrauterine device placement

- Surgery – At times, an initial surgery might be required in order to  remove the areas where this disorder is present but in case of a severe complexity, a hysterectomy might be required that would remove both the ovaries.

- Fertility Treatment - Endometriosis can lead to infertility in most women. However, if an affected woman wants to get pregnant, she can opt for IVF i.e In-Vitro Fertilisation in order to do so.

If you have observed any of the symptoms of Endometriosis, while on your menstrual cycle, it is imperative that you consult a doctor with no further delay.