Endometriosis

Are you haunted by pelvic pain or infertility? Of course you shouldn’t take chances. Trust me you’ll be better off visiting your friendly gynaecologist to seek for medical opinion. Unfortunately, you might just be diagnosed with endometriosis, thereafter. What’s more alarming is that such health condition has got no cure to date. That is why you should learn more about this gynaecological problem to better understand its nature, causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Endometriosis happens to be a health condition characterized by abnormal growth of cells specifically endometrial cells. Instead of growing in the uterus, these cells grow outside the uterine cavity in the case of endometriosis. Nonetheless, endometrial cells are essential in preparing the uterus for possible implant of fertilized egg.

Specific causes of such gynaecological abnormality are still unknown although expert assumptions have been made. For instance, some specialists argue that the condition is brought about by retrograde menstruation whereas blood rebounds back into the fallopian tube up to the pelvis. Certain studies also contend that immune system dysfunction might have triggered the abnormal state of reproductive health, not to mention hormone imbalance.

Various risk factors are ascribed to Endometriosis such as genes, environment, and aging. Since hormonal imbalance may be hereditary, women with a family history of this medical condition are likely at risk to the same health culprit. Based on a study conducted by The Endometriosis Association, exposure to dioxin found in microwave plastic containers may trigger development of the disease. Reduced fertility attributed to aging comprises another risk factor, too. That explains why ladies aging 25 to 35 are prone to Endometriosis.

Of course you can expect red flags leading to a valid suspicion that you might carry the disease. Pelvic pain, among others, happens to be the most dominant symptom. Most likely, 80% of women encountering chronic pain, around the pelvic region down to the lower abdomen, are likely to be carriers of the gynaecological disorder. In the same way, 20-50% of infertile females are susceptible to Endometriosis. Other signs and symptoms may include menstrual cramps, painful menstrual period, and painful bowel movement.

Medical diagnosis is paramount over typical signs and symptoms. More often than not, the patient shall undergo pelvic exam to assess any abnormality in the pelvic area such as nodules, tenderness, vaginal lesions, and displaced or enlarged ovaries. Laparoscopy may also be performed by inserting laparoscope into the abdominal area to see whether or not endometrial cells are found in the pelvis region. Imaging test coupled by C-125 marker may also come handy.

Although treatments are available, these are only intended to control unlikely signs and symptoms. Pain medication in the likes of ibuprofen and naproxen are prescribed for inflammation along with paracetamol and codeine for pain management. Hormonal treatment may also be administered to control high oestrogen levels that trigger development of endometrial cells. Surgery may also be performed to remove displaced endometrial cells in the pelvis region. Common surgical procedures are hysterectomy, laparotomy, and laparoscopic surgery.

Now that you know better about Endometriosis, sure you can better assess whether or not you should pay a visit to your gynaecologist.