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What is Endometriosis?

October 28, 2022

What is Endometriosis?
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Endometriosis is frequently an ailment that can interfere with your daily life. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining develops in other parts of your abdomen and pelvic region. Endometriosis can result in painful and heavy periods, as well as infertility.

The endometrium is the uterine’s inner lining. This is the tissue that a woman sheds during her menstrual cycle. Consider endometrial layers of tissue that form on the inside lining of the uterus. These layers separate from the uterine walls when they have a period and exit their body. If a woman becomes pregnant, the endometrium aids in the early stages of development.

Endometriosis causes endometrial-like tissue to develop on other organs or tissues. For example, this tissue might grow in your belly, pelvis, or chest. This tissue is sensitive to hormones and might develop inflammation throughout your menstrual cycle. In addition, these patches of endometrial-like tissue within your body can create ovarian cysts, superficial lesions, deeper nodules, adhesions, and scar tissue.

Endometriosis can occur in any part of your body, including

  • Outside and behind your uterus
  • The fallopian tubes
  • Ovaries.
  • Vagina.
  • Peritoneum
  • Ureters and bladder
  • Intestines.
  • Rectum.
  • Diaphragm

How serious is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder that primarily affects women between the ages of 25 and 40. However, it could also occur to young individuals during their adolescence. Although many women see improvement in endometriosis symptoms after menopause, it can still be uncomfortable and painful.

Risk factors for Endometriosis

Numerous variables might increase your chances of having endometriosis. These elements may include

  • Family history of endometriosis.
  • The age you first start having periods. People who begin menstruating before age 11 may be at a higher risk.
  • The length of your menstrual cycle (shorter time between periods) and the flow duration (how many days of bleeding).
  • Defects in your uterus or fallopian tubes.

Can endometriosis be genetic?

Although no one knows what causes endometriosis, scientists believe there is a link between a family history of the ailment and an increased chance of having it at some time. So if another member of your family has endometriosis, such as your mother, grandmother, or sister, discuss your risk with your doctor.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis causes a variety of symptoms. The most prominent sign is pain. It is usually felt in the belly, pelvic area, and lower back. Unfortunately, endometriosis might often go undetected until it discovered through another treatment is or infertility examination.

People who have endometriosis may have the following symptoms

  • Excruciatingly painful menstrual cramps.
  • Abdominal pain or back pain during the period.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Heavy bleeding during periods or spotting between periods.
  • Infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant)
  • Painful bowel movements.

There is no link between endometriosis symptoms and the intensity of the ailment. Some women may have only a few spots of endometriosis and yet suffer from extreme discomfort. Other people may have severe endometriosis yet not be in many afflictions.


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First symptoms of endometriosis

When endometrial-like tissue develops outside of the uterus (adhesions), scar tissue can develop. These scar tissue pieces can merge with your organs, forming connections that would not otherwise exist. This might cause pain and discomfort.

Causes of Endometriosis

Endometriosis has no known cause. Endometriosis causes tissue identical to the womb’s lining to develop in the incorrect locations. It can produce painful symptoms when it forms on the exterior of your uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestine, or within your pelvic cavity. This type of discomfort is caused by increased inflammation, as well as fibrosis and adhesions.

When endometrial-like tissue develops outside your uterus (adhesions), scar tissue can form. This may cause discomfort and anguish.

Diagnosis for Endometriosis

In many circumstances, your symptoms will lead to an endometriosis diagnosis. For example, you may contact your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing painful or heavy periods. When you arrive for your visit, your physician (usually an Ob-Gyn) may ask you about your medical history, prior pregnancies, and whether anybody in your family has endometriosis. Then, a pelvic exam may be performed by your physician.

If your doctor requires additional information, they will likely recommend pelvic imaging, beginning with an ultrasound. Next, an MRI may be requested for other endometriosis mapping based on your symptoms, physical exam, and ultrasound results. Finally, a laparoscopy may be recommended for both diagnosis and therapy. Because your surgeon can use a tiny camera (laparoscope) to examine your body, it can be a great technique to confirm endometriosis.

A biopsy (small tissue sample) may be collected during this technique. The biopsy will be sent to a laboratory for confirmation of the diagnosis. Endometriosis can be discovered by chance. Endometriosis does not affect everyone the same way. In many circumstances, your doctor may find the issue during another treatment.


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Treatment of Endometriosis

Your doctor will assist you in developing an endometriosis treatment plan based on several criteria, including

  • The severity of your endometriosis.
  • Your plans for future pregnancies.
  • Your age.
  • The severity of your symptoms

Your treatment approach may prioritise pain management and fertility enhancement in many circumstances. Medication and surgery can be used to do this. In addition, drugs are frequently used to help endometriosis symptoms. Pain relievers and hormone therapy are examples of such treatments.

    • Hormonal treatments for endometriosis might include

    • Birth control:Hormonal suppression alternatives include oestrogen and progesterone combinations and progesterone-only treatments. These are available in various forms, including oral birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, birth control shots, Nexplanon implants, and IUDs. This hormone medication frequently results in lighter, less painful periods. However, these are not alternatives for patients who are seeking to conceive.Endometriosis is a chronic condition. Many patients find that surgery relieves their endometriosis discomfort, although the signs may recur after a few years. The intensity of your endometriosis may influence how fast – if at all – it returns following surgery. Your specialist may recommend combining a surgical treatment with drugs for the most significant results. For central nerve pain, your doctor may offer pelvic floor physical therapy in addition to or instead of medication.

Endometriosis surgical treatment options include

  • Laparoscopy: In this surgery, your surgeon will create a 1-centimetre incision in your belly and insert a tiny tube-like gadget called a laparoscope into your body. This instrument can see inside your body with a high-definition camera and detect endometriosis. The lesions can then be excised and removed using additional 5-millimetre tools.
  • Hysterectomy: If you have severe endometriosis and scar tissue, other uterine disorders such as adenomyosis, and a desire for future conception, your surgeon may recommend removing your uterus. Endometriosis must still be removed if you undergo a hysterectomy to maximise pain alleviation.

How to Prevent Endometriosis

Endometriosis is not something that can be avoided. Specific changes can lower your likelihood of getting the illness, but you may still have endometriosis in some situations. Some people may acquire endometriosis due to a hereditary factor. If someone in your family (mother or grandmother) has been diagnosed with endometriosis, talk to your doctor about your chances of acquiring the illness.

Endometriosis can be reduced by several causes, including

  • Pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding.
  • Maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you.
  • Starting your menstrual period at a later age.

When to see a gynaecologist?

Consult a gynaecologist if you experience signs and symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a complex ailment to treat. However, early diagnosis, a multidisciplinary medical team, and understanding of your diagnosis may result in improved symptom treatment.

People also ask

  1. What is the leading cause of endometriosis?Endometriosis has no known cause. Endometriosis causes tissue identical to the womb’s lining to develop in the incorrect locations. It can produce painful symptoms when it forms on the exterior of your uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestine, or within your pelvic cavity. This type of discomfort is caused by increased inflammation, as well as fibrosis and adhesions.When endometrial-like tissue develops outside your uterus (adhesions), scar tissue can form. These scar tissue pieces can merge with your organs, creating connections that would not otherwise exist. This may cause discomfort and anguish.
  2. Is endometriosis a severe problem?Endometriosis is a painful ailment that can impair your quality of life, but it is not fatal. On the other hand, endometriosis complications might generate potentially life-threatening difficulties in exceedingly rare cases.
  3. What are the four stages of endometriosis?Endometriosis is commonly classified into four stages, minimal (Stage I), mild (Stage II), moderate (Stage III), and severe (Stage IV). The classification also employs a point system to measure endometriotic lesions. This point system enables a numerical scale of the sickness. A score of 15 or less shows that the illness is limited or moderate. A score of 16 or above indicates that the condition is reasonable to severe.
  4. What happens if endometriosis is left untreated? Endometrial-like tissue outside your uterus can create cysts, adhesions, and scar tissue over time. This can result in long-term (chronic) discomfort, particularly during menstruation. As a result, many women with endometriosis may have difficulty getting pregnant. However, this problem can occasionally be helped by treatment.

Disclaimer: We recommend consulting a Doctor before taking any action based on the above shared information.


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Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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