Endometriosis symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment

What is endometriosis?
Types of endometriosis
Causes
Endometriosis symptoms
Endometriosis and infertility
How to diagnose?
Questions for your doctor
What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

What is endometriosis?

The uterus, or womb, has three layers. The outer layer is the perimetrium. The middle layer is the myometrium, and the internal layer is the endometrium. The endometrial tissues break and bleed during menstruation. Endometriosis is when endometrial-like tissues grow outside the uterus. These tissues also break and bleed just like the endometrium. But the blood from them may not come out of the body through the vagina and may remain trapped in the body.

The common sites for endometriosis are:

The fallopian tubes
The ovaries
Ligaments which support the uterus
In between the rectum and the uterus
In between the bladder and the uterus
The outer lining of the uterus
The lining of the pelvic cavity

Occasional sites are

The rectum
The intestines
The vagina
The bladder
The vulva
The cervix
Surgery scars in the abdomen area

Types of endometriosis

Endometriosis has three main types that are based on location.

Endometrioma (ovarian lesions). These lesions are dark cysts with fluid, also called chocolate cysts. They develop deep in the ovaries. It is said that they can also damage the ovaries as they don’t respond well to the treatment.

Superficial peritoneal lesions. These are the most common lesions. They are found on the peritoneum, a thin layer that lines the pelvic cavity.

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis. It is found under the peritoneum and can also include the bladder and bowels. The approximate range is from 1% to 5% in women with endometriosis.

Causes

To the doctors, the cause of endometriosis is still a mystery. In simple words, they do not know the causes. But some experts strongly assume that menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. As a result, endometrial-like cells stick to the organs. This condition, blood flowing back, is known as retrograde menstruation.

Genes could also be responsible for endometriosis. If a woman’s mother or sister has had the same issue, it also increases the risk for her.

Some women with endometriosis are also diagnosed with immune system disorder. But doctors are not sure if there is really a connection.

Endometriosis symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms could be different from person to person. The most usual symptom is pelvic pain. Depending on the sites of endometriosis, women can experience a range of symptoms and problems.

Painful periods
Intestinal pain
Pelvic pain
Painful urination during menstruation
Painful bowel movements during menstruation
Infertility
Digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhea
Pain during and after sex
Constant pain in the lower abdomen
Spotting between periods

Endometriosis and infertility

Endometriosis could cause infertility. In a severe case, these cells can even cause damage to the ovaries or block the fallopian tubes.

Endometrial tissues if wrapped around the ovaries can block the release of eggs
They can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg in the fallopian tube, not allowing fertilization.
The obstruction won’t let the egg enter the uterus from the fallopian tube.

Endometriosis complications—severe pain or being unable to become pregnant can affect a women’s quality of life. Women can experience depression or anxiety. The doctor will try to fix these problems, but the treatment can also have a negative effect to the immune system, hormonal chemistry and the endometrium.

How to diagnose?

On the basis of the symptoms, the doctor can doubt endometriosis and suggest a test. Some tests are:

Imaging tests. A CT scan, an ultrasound or MRI to make detailed images of the organs.
Pelvic exam. The doctor tries to feel the scars or cysts behind the uterus.
Biopsy. A sample of tissue is taken (usually during a laparoscopy) to examine it under a microscope for an exact diagnosis.
Laparoscopy. To see the location and the size of lesions, the surgeon makes a tiny cut in the belly and inserts a tube with a camera (laparoscope). This can exactly confirm endometriosis.

Questions for your doctor

If the diagnosis confirms that you have endometriosis, asking your doctor the following questions can be helpful to you.

How can I control my symptoms?
Why does endometriosis cause pain?
What medication do I need? How does it work?
Are there any side effects of the prescribed medicines?
Can fertility treatment help me give birth?
Can surgery cure it and stop the symptoms?
Can endometriosis worsen with time?

What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

In allopathy, endometriosis treatment may include pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen; birth control pills, vaginal rings or patches; or surgery.

Ayurvedic treatment for endometriosis is done using therapy, and herbal and natural medicines.

The doctor treats endometriosis using medicated oil that is instilled in the uterus. To send the oil into the uterus, the doctor uses a tiny pipe through the cervix. This therapy is called uttar basti.

The doctor can also recommend other fertility therapies including fertility massage and herbs to enhance fertility, and maintain hormonal balance.

Endometriosis specialist in Delhi

Aasha Ayurveda Center; Rajouri Garden; Delhi-110027

Contact number: +91- 9811773770, Website: www.aashaayurveda.com