Your guide to endometriosis

Endometriosis is a very painful condition that occurs when the tissue of the womb grows outside as well, rather than just inside of the uterus. Endometrial tissues can also be implanted anywhere in the pelvis, like the ovaries or the fallopian tubes.

 

During periods every month, this wall also gets sloughed off. In the usual cases, the tissue inside of the womb and the blood gets an outlet via vagina. In endometriosis, the tissue outside gets trapped in the region, without an orifice to get out through.

 

Consequently, the tissue raises problems like inflammation and formation of cysts. It also can lead to the swelling in the adjacent regions of the body as well. Moreover, endometriosis also results in the scarring of the tissue, known as adhesions. These in turn cause the organs to stick together, further aggravating the problem.

 

Naturally this condition is very painful for the women, especially around the time of their periods. Women suffering from endometriosis also face fertility problems as well. Patients therefore need to visit the best Gynecologist in Lahore for treatment.

 

Stages of endometriosis

Endometriosis is split into different stages. In the first stage, there are only few implants around the abdominal region. Small wounds exist only, and the scar tissue is also minimal, or none at all.

 

In the second stage, implants are in greater number and are deeper into the tissue. Scarring is also present. Third stage is marked by the presence of deep implants. Small cysts and adhesions are also present. This is also known as the moderate stage.

 

Fourth or severe stage is remarked by the presence of very deep implants, and thick adhesions. Cysts are also present on either or both of the ovaries. These are also larger in size as well.

 

Stages of endometriosis are not progressive. Some people have the same degree of wounds, even if left untreated. However, in others, it may be rather severe to begin with.

 

Symptoms of endometriosis

 

Symptoms are dependent on the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include intense pelvic pain, especially along the time of periods. Sex is also painful for the patients.

 

 

If the tissue around the bowels or bladder are affected as well, patients have pain during bowel movement and urination as well. There can also be blood in the stool or the urine, depending on the location of the implants.

 

Moreover, it also leads to the period window lasting longer than the usual 7-days, and the bleeding is also very heavy as well. Fatigue, vomiting and spotting between periods are some other symptoms of endometriosis.

 

 

Diagnosis of the condition

 

Since the symptoms of endometriosis are ambiguous, as they resemble problems like IBS, PID, hence detailed examination has to be done. Alongside patient history and physical exam, doctor also performs pelvic ultrasound and laparoscopy.

 

Treatment of endometriosis

Whereas there is no cure pe se of endometriosis, the treatment options are aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the condition.

 

Pain medication is prescribed to help with the debilitating pain, especially around the periods. Hormone therapy is also suggested, as it helps in the regulation of hormones, which in-turns prevents tissue growth that occurs in endometriosis.

 

Hormonal contraceptives are also effective, as they help in the prevention of the buildup of the endometrial tissue. Some patients are given medicine like Danazol to stop menstruation.

 

Surgical treatment options are also available. Conservative surgery is performed to remove the tissue growth without damaging the organs. Women who want to get pregnant underdo this treatment. Usually, Laparoscopy is used in this endeavor.

 

However, if all fails, women are prescribed hysterectomy. This surgery involves the removal of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and the lesions that formed due to endometriosis. The downside is that women cannot get pregnant then and their hormones are disturbed as well.

 

Complications of endometriosis

 

Endometriosis is not extremely painful, but also causes other complications as well. 50% of the women with condition also suffer from infertility as well. Moreover, they have higher risk of getting ovarian cancer and endometriosis-induced adenocarcinoma.

 

It also leads to the formation of ovarian cysts, gastrointestinal problems alongside bladder issues. Adhesions and scar tissue also comes with problems of its own.

 

Therefore, in order to get reprieve from the condition and the subsequent problems, it is vital to visit the best Gynecologist in Karachi for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.