Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterine cavity. This can lead to intense pelvic pain. It can complicate pregnancy, induce severe discomfort, fatigue, and contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% of women and girls in their reproductive years worldwide are affected by endometriosis.
The development and presence of histological components such as endometrial glands and stroma in anatomical places and organs outside of the uterine cavity is referred to as “endometriosis”. Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic illness that results in the impaired fertility and persistent pelvic pain. Endometriosis is most commonly seen in the ovaries.
The displaced endometrial-like tissue is affected by the hormonal fluctuations of your menstrual cycle, which results in inflammation and pain in the affected location. Although the tissue is not cancerous, it results in adhesions. It may obstruct the fallopian tubes, causing blood clots to develop. Due to tissue fusion, changes in the reproductive organs could take place.
Types of endometriosis- Generally, endometriosis is classified based on the area of the pelvis or abdomen that endometriosis affects. Endometriosis is mainly of four types:
Endometriosis stages- While measuring the severity, doctors typically consider the distribution, depth, and bodily parts impacted by endometrial tissue. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) scale, the condition is categorized into four stages:
Endometriosis symptoms- The two main symptoms of endometriosis are severe pain and trouble getting pregnant. The pain is typically felt throughout the menstrual cycle and either during or after sexual activity. In addition to this, there are some common symptoms that include:
Although not everyone will have all of these symptoms, some people may only have one or two of them, along with periodic pain and discomfort.
Are you worried about painful and unevenly heavy periods? Find support and seek solutions from our gynecologist!
Endometriosis causes- The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but there are several mechanisms that might lead to it. Some of the causes that might lead to endometriosis are as follows:
Endometriosis diagnosis- Based on the symptoms and patients assessment, the gynecologist might suggest the tests including:
Endometriosis treatment- Endometriosis is usually managed with medications, conservative therapies, or surgery. The severity of your symptoms and whether you intend to become pregnant will determine the course of treatment that you and your medical team choose. Primarily medication is usually advised. If it is not helpful, surgery becomes a choice.
Non-surgical methods for endometriosis:
Endometriosis surgery methods: Procedure, Recovery And Success Rate
Surgery may be necessary for patients with more severe endometriosis. The surgeries suggested for endometriosis are:
Laparoscopy
Laparotomy
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus, and with ovaries (oophorectomy) may also be recommended, inducing menopause. This procedure effectively treats endometriosis but eliminates the possibility of conception. Alternative fertility options, such as IVF, can be explored. The success rate of a hysterectomy is typically 80–90%, with a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks, varying based on individual circumstances and severity.
Endometriosis and fertility
According to research by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, endometriosis affects 24% to 50% of infertile women. Today, endometriosis and fertility treatments are growing simultaneously. The most common cause of infertility is endometriosis. It affects about 2 out of every 5 individuals who are unable to conceive. Endometriosis in mild-to-severe forms can only result in temporary infertility. A woman may become pregnant with the assistance of endometrial tissue removal surgery.
Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad is renowned for its expertise in treating endometriosis. With a skilled team of gynecologists, nurses, and healthcare professionals, the hospital offers state-of-the-art treatment methods tailored to each patient’s needs. Their Gynecology Department is committed to delivering world-class care, meeting global standards. Yashoda Hospitals boasts a top-tier high-risk pregnancy team, comprising obstetricians and gynecologists. Equipped with modern medical facilities, including specialized units, the hospital ensures comprehensive care for women’s health.
The early symptoms of endometriosis include painful and irregular periods, excessive bleeding during periods, pain during intercourse, fatigue, diarrhea, or constipation. However, there is no rule that all these symptoms might occur in every endometriosis patient. It is possible that in some patients it may show up with few symptoms or not at all. Depending on their severity and overall condition of health, the symptoms may vary from person to person.
Usually, endometriosis is not a life-threatening condition. However, if left untreated, it might cause some severe complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and depression that affects the lifestyle of the women. Without proper treatment, sometimes it may become dangerous.
Endometriosis can spontaneously improve in certain cases, with lesions decreasing over time or after menopause due to declining estrogen levels. However, many patients still require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms like pain. Regular visits to healthcare providers are crucial for collaborative long-term management.
There are several options to treat endometriosis based on the severity of the condition. Mild and moderate conditions could be treated by medication and hormonal therapies. Whereas, the severe type of endometriosis could be treated by surgical methods.
No, endometriosis is not a cancer. However, there is preliminary evidence that endometriosis may marginally increase your risk of developing some uncommon forms of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Rarely, these cells may travel to other areas of the body and develop into cancers.
The symptoms of endometriosis include painful menstruation, irregular periods, excessive bleeding, unable to get the pregnancy, painful intercourse, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation etc., apart from the above there might be some minor symptoms too. However, it’s possible that some individuals won’t have any symptoms at all or just a few.
Research suggests that in some cases there might be involvement of some multiple genes, which could result in endometriosis, because endometriosis appears to occur in some families more frequently than in others due to inheritance.
Studies have shown that even after a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, endometriosis recurred and needed another procedure. About 10% of people may experience recurrent problems following the surgery.
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