According to the Endometriosis Society of India, an estimated 25 million Indian women suffer from endometriosis. However, in spite of its rising prevalence around the world including India, there is insufficient awareness about this painful condition.
Even today, thousands of women are unaware about the warning signs of endometriosis, silently suffering from painful periods without getting the necessary treatment. If left unchecked, endometriosis can also result in infertility. In fact, many women are diagnosed with this condition when they seek medical advice for difficulties in conceiving.
In this article, Dr Astha Dayal (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital) explores endometriosis in further detail by answering a few common questions about endometriosis. For more information about this condition and to screen yourself, you can book an appointment with Dr Astha Dayal here.
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Your uterus is lined with a layer of tissue called the endometrium. During your menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up in preparation for pregnancy. If you don’t become pregnant, this layer is shed and is passed out during your period.
In the case of endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrial tissue is formed outside the uterus. This generally occurs in other parts of your reproductive system or inside the abdominal cavity. Every month, this tissue also grows and sheds along with your menstrual cycle, causing swelling and scarring of the normal tissue in the affected regions.
While the exact causes of endometriosis are still unclear, some familiar causes of this condition are as follows:
While women with endometriosis can sometimes be infertile, but researchers do not know exactly why this is the consequence. A recent study declared that endometriosis could make natural conception tougher but it does not equal infertility. Endometriosis causes adhesions and scar tissue, which result in the internal organs to get stuck to each other. This may cause blockage of tubes or ovaries. With timely medical intervention and treatment, women may even be able to conceive naturally without requiring any assisted reproductive techniques.
Also, read: What to do when you suspect infertility
Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include
Pain: Pain is the most significant and common symptom associated with endometriosis. Pain caused by endometriosis can be of different types such as
Bleeding or spotting: Light bleeding between your periods can indicate endometriosis
Infertility: Difficulties in becoming pregnant or infertility can be a result of endometriosis
Gastric problems: Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea etc during your periods can indicate endometriosis in some cases.
Painful periods are not the only unpleasant outcome of endometriosis. The abnormal growth of tissue can cause complications such as:
Endometriosis is generally treated by medication or surgery. Treatment protocols depends on the severity of the condition in that individual. In some cases, over the counter medications are enough to manage the symptoms. This is also combined with hormone therapy in case the patient is not aiming for a pregnancy.
In more severe manifestations of endometriosis, surgery might be required. If you are trying to become pregnant, the surgeon might perform a conservative surgery to remove the abnormal tissue. This surgery is usually done laparoscopically.
Unfortunately, there are no steps you can take to completely eliminate the risk of developing endometriosis. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way in managing symptoms. Getting regular gynaecological check-ups can also go a long way in monitoring the health of your reproductive system.
If you are experiencing extreme menstrual pain, you should consider getting screened for endometriosis. Book your visit to meet Dr Astha Dayal and other top gynaecologists in Gurgaon.
