Endometriosis Treatment
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, causing pain and/or infertility. It affects roughly 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide.
During your menstrual cycle, the endometrium usually grows and sheds. However, if this normal shedding process occurs in other parts of your body, it results in endometriosis.
Endometriosis can have several causes. It is relatively easy to diagnose and treat if you know what signs and symptoms to look for.
Nisha IVF hospital in Ahmedabad has a team of seasoned gynecologists who are highly skilled in handling all cases of endometriosis. The team offers cutting-edge and effective endometriosis treatment in Ahmedabad.
One of the founders of Nisha IVF centre, Dr. Nisarg Patel, is one of the best IVF doctor in Ahmedabad, with 10+ years of expertise in gynecological, obstetrics, and laparoscopic surgeries.
Let’s look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and endometriosis treatment options. Continue reading to find out more.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Pelvic pain, which is often associated with menstrual periods, is the most common symptom of endometriosis.
Even though many women experience cramping during periods, those with endometriosis typically suffer from more intense menstrual pain than normal. Pain may also worsen over time.
The following signs and symptoms characterize endometriosis:
- Painful periods.
- Pelvic pain and cramping.
- Lower back and abdominal pain.
- Pain during or after sex.
- Pain during bowel movements or urination.
- Heavy periods or bleeding between periods.
- Infertility – Endometriosis is sometimes discovered in women seeking infertility treatment.
Other indications and symptoms may include fatigue, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or nausea during the menstrual cycle.
Your pain level may not be an accurate predictor of the severity of your condition. You could have mild endometriosis with worse pain or advanced endometriosis with no or minimal pain.
Causes of Endometriosis
Endometriosis has no specific cause, but it may develop as a result of the following factors:
- Retrograde menstruation
It is a condition in which period blood flows back to the fallopian tube into the pelvic region rather than out of the body. The endometrial cell in the blood adheres to the pelvis in the pelvic organ’s walls. During the menstrual cycle, these cells multiply and thicken.
- Lining of the peritoneal cells
After transformation, the peritoneal cells behave like endometrial-like cells and line up in the inner walls of the abdomen.
- Embryonic cells
Oestrogens convert embryonic cells into endometrial-like cells that can develop lining.
- Endometrial cell transportation
The blood vessel or lymphatic system transports endometrial cells-containing blood to other parts of the body.
- Weakened immune system
If your immune system is weak, it may not be able to prevent the formation of endometrial-like tissue.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
To confirm Endometriosis, your doctor may perform or order the following tests:
- The doctor may perform a pelvic exam to determine whether there are any cysts or scars inside your uterus.
- A CT scan or an ultrasound image can help confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis.
- The doctor may perform laparoscopy by making small incisions in your stomach and inserting a thin tube containing a camera (laparoscope). It allows the physician to see lesions or scar tissue.
- Following laparoscopy, the doctor may remove a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope (biopsy).
Endometriosis Treatment
There is no scientifically proven treatment for endometriosis. However, the following medications or surgeries may provide relief:
- Pain relievers
To help alleviate pain, Dr. Nisarg Patel, our skilled gynecologist and IVF doctor in Ahmedabad, may prescribe pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you still do not feel relieved, you can take personal measures such as taking a warm shower and performing a hot fomentation technique on the belly. Regular exercise can also help with the pain.
- Hormone replacement therapy
Some doctors recommend hormonal therapy, which reduces the amount of oestrogen produced by the body. Reduced oestrogen levels cause less lesion formation, preventing inflammation, cyst formation, and scarring.
Hormonal therapy may include birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, danazol, or progestin.
- Surgery
Surgery is the only option for treating this condition for some women. During the surgery, the doctor removes the affected tissue from the body. Women who have had surgery may be able to conceive again.
At Nisha IVF hospital in Ahmedabad, our experts may utilize one or more of the following surgical procedures to treat endometriosis:
- Laparoscopy
It is a minor surgical procedure in which the doctor inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, into an incision made in the abdominal wall. Often, the doctor can remove endometrial growths by looking into the pelvic area with the laparoscope. This procedure is also used to diagnose endometriosis accurately.
- Laparotomy
It is a more invasive surgery that helps remove as much of the displaced endometrium as possible while preserving healthy tissue.
- Hysterectomy
In severe cases, surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries (complete hysterectomy) may be the best option. Hysterectomy is typically regarded as a last resort, particularly for women of reproductive age.
- Assisted reproduction techniques (ART)
Assisted reproduction treatment options, such as IVF may aid in conception. Experts often recommend ART methods if natural fertilization is impossible due to endometriosis and its impact on vital reproductive organs.
At Nisha IVF hospital in Ahmedabad, we offer several assisted reproductive services, including IUI, IVF, and ICSI.
Health and Socio-economic Benefits of Treating Endometriosis
- Endometriosis may have profound social, public health, and economic consequences. Severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility resulting from endometriosis can reduce one’s quality of life.
- Some endometriosis patients experience debilitating endometriosis-related pain that prevents them from working. In these cases, treating endometriosis can reduce academic absences or a women’s ability to contribute to her profession.
- Endometriosis-related pain in sex can cause interruption or avoidance of intercourse, affecting the sexual health of affected individuals and/or their partners.
- Endometriosis treatment will empower those affected by it by upholding their human right to the best sexual and reproductive health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Prevention of Endometriosis
There is currently no known way to prevent endometriosis. Increased awareness, followed by early diagnosis and management, may slow or stop the condition’s natural progression and reduce the long-term burden of its symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if endometriosis isn’t treated?
If left untreated, severe endometriosis can lead to infertility. Endometriosis can also raise your risk of developing certain cancers.
How long does recovery from endometriosis surgery take?
The majority of women recover within 4 to 5 days of surgery. Within 8 to 12 days, you should be able to exercise and engage in sexual activity. You should be fully recovered in 5 to 8 weeks. Within 5 to 10 weeks of surgery, fertility returns to normal.
Can endometriosis cause ovarian damage?
Endometriomas can cause severe pelvic pain and significantly increase the risk of infertility. They have the potential to damage ovarian tissue and interfere with ovulation.
Does endometriosis worsen over time?
Endometriosis is a progressive disease that worsens over time. Infertility is a common side effect of endometriosis that can be avoided if treated early.
Is it possible to get pregnant if you have endometriosis?
Although endometriosis can make it more difficult to conceive, most women with mild endometriosis are not infertile. An estimated 70% to 80% of women with mild to moderate endometriosis can conceive without treatment.
