Endo is known for that excruciating pain condition that sometimes takes years to diagnose.
Nearly 42 million women suffer from Endometriosis in India alone - that’s 1 in every 8 girls! Globally, that number is roughly 247 Million women. Yet, the causes (and permanent solutions) are still a global enigma to the general population as well as the medical community by far!
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, bowel, and pelvic lining. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, becoming inflamed and causing pain. The trapped tissue can lead to irritation, scar formation, adhesions (where tissues bind together), severe menstrual pain, and fertility problems.
⚠️What are the symptoms:
Women often experience either some or all of these symptoms in varying degrees:
-Pelvic pain: The most common symptom!
- Painful periods and cramps: Occurs for 1-2 weeks around menstruation
- Heavy menstrual bleeding: Can include bleeding between periods
- Infertility: A significant complication for many
- Pain during intercourse: Often experienced by those with the condition
- Bowel discomfort: Painful bowel movements
- Lower back pain: Can occur at any point during the menstrual cycle
Regular gynaecological exams are crucial for monitoring symptoms and changes.
💭What causes Endometriosis?
While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, the medical community has a few theories:
- Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, which apparently several women experience! This is the oldest theory that exists 👀
- Cell transformation: Parts of your abdomen tissues convert into endometrial-like tissue and act like endometrial cells too! They may even grow, thicken, and bleed over the course of your menstrual cycle in response to the hormones of your cycle. The reason? Unknown. (Welcome to the frustration of under researched women’s health 😩)
- Foetal Conditions: The Mullerian theory suggests that endometriosis might start in the foetal period with misplaced cell tissue that begins to respond to the hormones of puberty. Genetics and environmental toxins might also play roles in its development!!
Some factors might make it riskier…
👉🏼Age: Women in their 30s and 40s are more susceptible than someone in their 20s!
👉🏼Family history: If a family member has experienced the condition before, you might be at a higher risk
👉🏼Pregnancy history: Although Endometriosis can still occur in women who’ve had children, women who have not, are at an increased risk (we get the frustration, really!)
👉🏼Menstrual history: Issues like shorter cycles, heavier and longer periods, or early onset of menstruation can increase risk
🩺How is it treated?
It's natural to seek prompt relief from the pain and other symptoms of endometriosis; untreated endometriosis can significantly disrupt daily life. Although there is no cure for endometriosis, its symptoms can be managed 🌼
Initially, your doctor may suggest conservative treatments, moving to surgical options if there is no improvement. Using supplemental hormones prescribed by your gynac can sometimes help alleviate pain and halt the progression of endometriosis too! 💊
Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, is also used to both visualise and diagnose endometriosis. It is also used to remove displaced endometrial-like tissue.
Lasers are a pretty commonly used non-invasive method to destroy this “out of place” tissue as well.
Conclusion
Endometriosis can be a painful, exhausting condition to live with, which not only deserves compassion, but also immediate medical attention!
The sooner it's diagnosed, the better. If you suspect you have endometriosis (or even if something just feels off), it is ❗ suuuper important to visit your gynac immediately❗
Regular visits to the gynac can help detect medical conditions at a much earlier stage, when they can be treated with more ease 🌸
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7615030/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3935015/
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