What Is Endometriosis?

A medical condition where a tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus is endometriosis. This tissue can grow anywhere on the uterus or around it on fallopian tubes or other organs in that area. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue behaves like the innermost layer of the uterus and sheds blood. But as normal menstrual blood has a way to leave the body, for this there is no way to go outside the body. This results in pain and swelling. Endometriosis is a long-term condition that affects women of all ages. This causes severe menstrual cramps and excessive pain during sexual intercourse.

In some cases, women with endometriosis face pain during urination or bowel movements. The reason why women develop endometriosis is still unknown, but it can be because of hormones or other genetic issues.

Symptoms

One of the common symptoms of endometriosis is pelvic pain during menstruation. This pain is a lot more than period pain. Some other symptoms that come with it are pain during passing urine, tiredness, painful sexual intercourse, heavy periods, and more. Women sometimes also experience back pain and nausea. These symptoms can get worse over time, and this affects daily life. As these symptoms are associated with many problems, it sometimes takes years to detect this issue.

What Is The Cause Of Endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown. Though some doctors believe that when the female body does not allow the flow of menstrual blood outside the body, it flows back to the pelvic cavity. This causes the tissue to grow outside the uterus. Another reason can be a problem with the immune system and genetics, as it can run in families. Hormones, especially estrogen, can be the reason for the growth of this tissue. Therefore, it becomes important to evaluate all the symptoms timely.

How Is It Linked To Fertility?

Endometriosis can have an impact on a woman’s ability to get pregnant. When an extra tissue grows on the uterus, it does not allow the eggs and sperm to meet and get fertilized. It also damages the egg and creates such an environment where conditions are not conducive for women to get pregnant. It is noticed that one-third of the women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant because of endometriosis. However, there are women who get pregnant and have endometriosis with the right treatment.

Treatment Options For Endometriosis

There is not one significant treatment for endometriosis. Though certain things can be kept in mind in order to live a normal life. Pain relievers are often the first step towards providing relief from excessive pain. Hormonal pills are taken in order to delay or stop periods. When the situation is quite serious, then injections should be given. Surgery is also an option when tissue needs to get removed due to fertility issues. During surgery, the extra tissue is removed. In addition to that, following a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet along with stress management is important.

Endometriosis is a painful condition in women during their reproductive years and requires proper medical attention so that it does not get complicated.