Endometriosis is a common female reproductive problem that affects an estimated ten percent of American women between the ages of 25 to 40. It is a condition that affects the uterus. This happens when the tissue lining of the uterus called endometrial tissue grows in other places outside the uterus like the ovaries, pelvic area, or the bowel. Schedule an appointment with the best GYN in East New York at Women’s Health – Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn NY.
During the menstrual cycle, the hormones cause the endometrium to change. Estrogen causes the endometrium to thicken to nourish the embryo during conception. If there is no pregnancy, estrogen is produced in smaller amounts, and more progesterone is made. This then causes the endometrial lining to shed and cause menstrual flow. Fertility problems could also arise along with this condition.
Symtoms of Endometriosis
When you have endometriosis, the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows outside of it—commonly affecting your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. This condition can cause a variety of distressing symptoms, some of which may worsen over time or fluctuate with your menstrual cycle. Common signs and symptoms may include:
Severe menstrual cramps that may interfere with daily activities
Pain during bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, sometimes with clots
Chronic pelvic pain, not just during your period
Blood in the stool or urine, especially during menstruation
Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea
Pain during or after sexual intercourse, which can feel deep or sharp
Difficulty conceiving (infertility), which affects up to 50% of women with endometriosis
Persistent fatigue, even with sufficient rest, due to chronic pain and inflammation
These symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), making it harder to get a timely diagnosis. That’s why it’s essential to consult a gynecologist if you experience recurring pelvic pain or menstrual irregularities
Causes
Causes for endometriosis are still unknown, but some theories suggested that it could be because during menstruation some of the tissue travels back up into the fallopian tube in a sort of reverse menstruation and where the tissues attach back and grow.
Your genes could also play a role in this condition. If you have a close family member, like your mom or sister, that has endometriosis, then you would get it too. Some research shows that it tends to get worse from generation to generation.
Diagnosis
If your gynecologist suspects that you have endometriosis, they can request a pelvic exam, imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or CT (Computerized Tomography) scan and biopsy to confirm and be positive in their diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no known cure for endometriosis, but treatments usually include surgery or medication to make sure that your condition will be addressed immediately. Treatments can include:
- Pain medicine – your doctor can recommend you take an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve your pain.
- Hormone therapy – this method can help you manage the amount of estrogen your body produces. But it can also stop your medication altogether.
- Surgery – your gynecologist can also suggest that you undergo an operation to take out as much of the affected tissue as possible.
Staging of Endometriosis
This staging or classification has been developed by the American Society of Reproduction Medicine to:
- Stage 1: Minimal
- Stage 2: Mild
- Stage 3: Moderate
- Stage 4: Severe
This staging system will be based on the location, amount, or size of endometrial tissue.
Complications
Severe endometriosis pain can affect the way you are living your life. It can also cause anxiety and depression in some women. Endometriosis can also increase your risk of having ovarian cancer or any type of cancer associated with the endometrium.
Endometriosis and Fertility – this condition is one of the leading causes of infertility in the United States, it affects about five million women who are in their 30s and 40s. this condition interferes with the reproductive organs and your ability to get pregnant as it can block the sperm from making its way to the fallopian tube. It can also prevent your fertilized egg from sliding down from your fallopian tubes down to the uterus.
Remember, your doctor can help you get the care you need. If you are looking for a gynecologist that you can trust, you can book your appointment at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center. Our specialists aim to deliver the highest quality of healthcare. We work with our patients in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for their conditions. To book an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, or call us on 1-347-384–5690 or 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@mainwebsite.dialysisny.com if you have any queries.
