Endometriosis Overview
Endometriosis refers to the disorder where the tissue resembling your uterine lining develops in other areas of the body. It may cause uncomfortable sensations because of the tissue’s abnormal growth, affecting your regular activities. Some people with endometriosis experience difficulties becoming pregnant.
Continue reading to learn more about endometriosis, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Endometriosis symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms might vary. The degree or stage of your disease is not determined by how much pain you are experiencing. Even if you have a minor case of the disease, you may be in excruciating agony. Additionally, a severe variant might exist with little to no discomfort. The signs of endometriosis are:
- Excruciating pains throughout your period
- Back or abdominal discomfort before, during, or after a period
- Pain during sex
- Prolonged bouts of heavy bleeding or spotting (light bleeding) between cycles
- Infertility
Endometriosis treatment
Based on many variables, including the severity of your endometriosis, your goals for future pregnancies, your age, and the intensity of your symptoms, your healthcare provider will help to create a treatment plan for endometriosis.
In many circumstances, your endometriosis treatments will be centred on controlling your discomfort and addressing your reproductive problems, if you intend to become pregnant in the future. Both medicine and surgery are options for achieving this.
Some of the common treatment methods for endometriosis causes include:
• Pain medications
Your doctor may suggest a painkiller available over the counter. Many patients find success with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Speak with a medical expert about further alternatives if they don’t help you manage your pain.
• Hormone therapy
In some instances, taking more hormones might reduce discomfort and halt the spread of endometriosis. Hormone treatment aids in your body’s regulation of the monthly hormonal shifts that encourage endometriosis-related tissue growth.
• Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives reduce fertility by halting the development of endometrial-like tissue monthly. In less severe cases of endometriosis, patches, birth control pills, and vaginal rings can lessen or even altogether remove discomfort.
The Depo-Provera injection of medroxyprogesterone is also successful in preventing menstruation. The development of endometrial implants is halted. It eliminates symptoms like pain. But given the possibility of gaining weight, having less bone density, and occasionally having a higher incidence of depression, this might not be your first option.
• Hysterectomy for endometriosis
The uterus is surgically removed during a hysterectomy. This can be a recommendation from a doctor for endometriosis treatment. The removal of the ovaries without or with a hysterectomy, may also be advised by your doctor. You will enter menopause as a result of this, but endometriosis should be treated entirely.
Ovarian removal will result in much-decreased oestrogen levels and slowed or stopped formation of endometrial tissue. However, endometriosis surgery does have menopausal dangers and certain side effects, including hot flashes, heart disease, bone loss, decreased sexual drive, memory issues, sadness, and anxiety. Because of these reasons, the choice to continue with oophorectomy is something that the patient and the doctor make together based on the circumstances of the individual case as well as the patient’s objectives.
Conclusion
You may endure heavy periods, long-lasting (chronic) endometriosis pain, and trouble becoming pregnant as a result of endometriosis. Working with your healthcare practitioner, you can control these symptoms. Speak with a professional if you have any endometriosis symptoms or if your periods seem strange or unpleasant. Some therapies can help you live a better life and long-term manage your endometriosis.
Are you looking for personalised treatment methods for endometriosis? Medical professionals at Ova can be of great help with their customised and effective treatment options.
FAQs related to endometriosis
1. Is endometriosis curable?
There is no cure for the illness. Endometriosis and its symptoms can be managed with a variety of drugs.
2. Can you have a baby if you have endometriosis?
Most women having endometriosis are still able to become pregnant, although it might sometimes be more difficult.
3. Is endometriosis common?
Around 10% of women and girls in the world who are of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis.
4. Is endometriosis genetic?
Given that endometriosis may run in families, genetic factors (heritability) are likely to play a part in why some women get it while others do not.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.