Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background

Endometriosis is described as a condition that arises when the tissues that normally line the uterine walls attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus or grow. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus will shed as it normally does, but the portion that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the ovulation to menstruation phase, the uterual tissue becomes constantly provoked. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This is likely to cause scar tissue formation and some discomfort.

More than seven million females in the United States have endometriosis, says the Endometriosis Research Center. It is a leading cause of infertility, gynecologic surgeries and chronic pelvic pain.

What Leads To Endometriosis?

At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Females may also feel pain during ovulation and while having sex, GI problems like diarrhea, constipation or bloating, and even discomfort while passing stools. In worse cases, endometriosis may result in infertility.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other laboratory and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CAT scans, or MRIs do not normally lead to conclusive results. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient's health history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.

Cure for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.

Treatment

Methods to manage endometriosis include:

Pain Medication

Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. It this does not work, one may need to take prescription drugs.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient's ovulation. The objective would be to prevent further provocation of the lesions and to shield onself against the onset of related symptoms. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone replacament therapy is the usual recommendation for patients who have been through surgery.

Surgery

Conservative surgical procedures such as the laparotomy and laparoscopy are conducted by doctors to determine the diagnosis and to remove abnormal growths. If successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman's chances of getting pregnant.

If a conservative surgical procedure is ineffective, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy or some other invasive surgical method.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

Quite a number of patients choose to go the alternative route of treatments instead of undergoing surgeries and taking medications. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like herbs for fertility. There is a significant volume of literature supporting these natural treatments, each promoting wellness while at the same time stimulate the body's innate healing and defense mechanisms.


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