Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background

Endometriosis is a medical condition that happens when the tissues that usually line the uterus multiply or attach themselves to the organs found outside. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus will shed as it normally does, but the portion that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It could tear, break and bleed. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.

There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It has been found to be the key causes of chronic pain in the pelvis, gynecologic surgeries, and infertility.

Why Does Endometriosis Occur?

At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.

Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms would often include chronic pain in one’s pelvic area, irregular or labored breathing, pain in the lower back, pain associated with dysmenorrhea, and fatigue. Women can also expect to feel some pain while ovulating or having sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and GI tract conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Endometriosis can result to infertility, in severe cases.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other laboratory and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CAT scans, or MRIs do not normally lead to conclusive results. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.

A Cure for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.

Treatment

Methods to manage endometriosis include:

Pain Medication

Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. If that doesn’t work, prescription drugs may be recommended.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The key here is to stop the further provocation of the lesions and to protect oneself against the onset of other related problems. These drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. Hormone replacament therapy is the usual recommendation for patients who have been through surgery.

Surgery

Doctors use conservative surgery such as laparoscopy and laparatomy to diagnose the disease, as well as remove the abnormal growths. If successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

If traditional surgical procedures prove ineffective, doctors have the option to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

A lot of patients opt to undergo natural types of treatment over surgery and medications. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as natural herbs for fertility. There exists a considerable amount of studies that support the effectiveness of these natural treatments to do no harm and to awaken the body’s inherent defense mechanisms and healing activity.