Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Approximately 25 million women in India are victims of this disorder. Endometriosis usually involves the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the tissue that lines the pelvis. In rare cases, the tissue is found beyond the areas where the pelvic organs are located.
Endometriosis is most common among women between the ages of 30 to 40. It occurs among women who never had any children and have a genetic history of Endometriosis. Studies have also shown that the incidence of Endometriosis ranges from 34% to 48% and can be diagnosed by Laparoscopy. Amidst 20% to 50% of the infertile women experience Endometriosis.
What Are The Types Of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is of the following types:
- Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis
The peritoneum is a thin membrane in your body that helps line the abdomen and pelvis. In this form of Endometriosis, the endometrial tissue tends to attach itself to the peritoneum. This is the least dangerous form of this disorder.
- Endometriomas
These are also called chocolate cysts. They are dark and fluid-filled cysts that appear in different parts of the pelvis or abdomen. They have different sizes and are most commonly found in the ovaries.
- Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE)
In this, the Endometrial tissue gets into the organs within or outside your pelvic cavity. The organs can either be your ovaries, bladder, bowels or rectum. It is a rare condition. Many circumstances can also lead to them getting stuck in one place. This condition is called the Frozen Pelvis. It happens to 1% to 5% of people who have Endometriosis.
- Abdominal Wall Endometriosis
The endometrial tissue starts to reach out to the abdominal wall. These cells tend to attach themselves to a surgical incision, like the ones from a C-section surgery.
Stages Of Endometriosis
The stages of Endometriosis are very simple to understand.
Stage 1
It is the minimal stage. In it, there is just little to no scar tissue.
Stage 2
It is the mild stage. They are deeper in the tissue, and there could be some scar tissue.
Stage 3
It is the moderate stage. There may be cysts in the ovaries and thick bands of scar tissues called Adhesions.
Stage 4
It is a severe stage. The cyst could be large. There could be deep implants and really thick adhesions.
Symptoms Of Endometriosis
The symptoms of Endometriosis that you should pay attention to are:
- Long-term pelvic pain, mostly just before and during your menstrual period.
- Pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements if it is affecting your intestines.
- Pain while you are urinating if it affects your bladder.
- Heavy and irregular bleeding can be a significant sign.
- It can be detected many times when women are undergoing surgery for another medical condition.
What Are The Causes Of Endometriosis?
The exact reason why people suffer from this disorder is yet to be discovered. However, here are some reasons why people get Endometriosis:
- It could be running in the family or inherited in the genes.
- Backward menstrual flow is a cause of Endometriosis. Some issues that are supposed to leave the body flow back into it through the Fallopian tube into the pelvis.
- If the immune system of a respective woman is weak, the body may not have the power to fight the Endometrial tissues.
- Undergoing surgeries have also led to the formation of Endometrial tissues.
- Hormones like estrogen contribute to the growth of Endometriosis.
Treatment Of Endometriosis
Doctors try and treat the condition in the following ways:
Medication
One can take pain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can also consume hormonal drugs like birth control pills, Progesterone pills and GnRH analogues. However, all of this should occur under the strict guidance of your medical expert.
Surgery
If the woman has large cysts in her ovaries and severe pain because of the medication and fertility problems, she will have to undergo surgery to get rid of Endometriosis.
Alternative Therapy Ideas
One can try to use acupuncture and herbs like a Cinnamon twig or Licorice root. There are certain supplements that the woman can use, such as Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids or Thiamine.
Will Type And Stage Of Endometriosis Affect Treatment?
Doctors decide the treatment based on the symptoms and whether the patient wants to conceive in the future or not. They start with medication before they suggest surgery. If the treatment through medication and alternative therapy ideas fail to work, they will have no other option but to operate. If someone does not want to get pregnant, they can get their uterus removed through surgery.
