Millions of women across the world often experience pain, significant discomfort during periods, painful bowel movements, and a lot more. And they’re not just restricted to the week before a new menstrual cycle begins. However, a lot of women are forced to accept these symptoms as just a ‘painful part of life’ and suffer for years without a proper diagnosis. Only a small percentage of these women get thorough examinations at some point in their lives and realise they have endometriosis, a serious medical condition.
Even though it affects around 25 million women in India, not many people know about endometriosis or how much pain it can cause. To spread more awareness about this disorder, we have compiled detailed information to help you understand more about endometriosis and how you can deal with it. Read on.
What is endometriosis?
Pronounced as en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis, this is a medical condition where the endometrial cells latch on to other parts of the body. These are the cells found on the endometrium, also known as the inner lining of the womb (uterus). Every month, if the eggs have not been fertilised, the lining breaks down and is released from the body. This is what is commonly known as periods. However, in case of endometriosis, when these cells break down outside the womb, there is no way for the blood to be released out of the body. As a result, they cause pain, inflammation and may even lead to the formation of scar tissues. In many cases, the condition is often misdiagnosed as PCOS (Read: Your Quick Guide to PCOS) for years. In India, the estimated number of cases are reported to be around 25 million.
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Related: 9 Tips For Period Pain Which Will Make Your Menstrual Cycle So Much Easier
What are the most common symptoms of endometriosis?
While there are some symptoms that may vary from person to person, there are a few symptoms that are often common for all. These include:
- Excruciating pain in the lower abdomen before and during periods
- Pain during or after sexual activity
- Painful urination/bowel movements during periods
- Fatigue
- Infertility
- Heavy bleeding
- Gastrointestinal concerns such as diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea
Going through such symptoms of endometriosis can have a detrimental impact on a woman’s entire well-being including her physical and mental health.
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What causes it?
The biggest problem, for now, is that the exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown. This is what perhaps makes the diagnosis and treatment more complicated. According to Endometriosis UK, however, it could be a combination of the following:
- Retrograde menstruation
- Genetic predisposition
- Lymphatic or circulatory spread
- Immune dysfunction
- Environmental causes
- Metaplasia
Related: Prepare These Questions Before Your Gynae Visit
There are four stages of endometriosis:
Minimal: A few small implants or small wounds or lesions
Mild: Superficial implants measuring less than 5 cms in diameter without significant adhesions
Moderate: Multiple deep implants, small cysts on one or both ovaries, and the presence of flimsy adhesions
Severe: Multiple deep implants, large cysts on one or both ovaries, and thick adhesions
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Can endometriosis be treated?
Endometriosis has no definite cure; however, some methods can work as treatment plans to relieve the symptoms. Doctors may prescribe methods to tackle the pain via therapy or medication or suggest surgery depending upon the severity of the case. The treatment plan ultimately depends on the treatment goal for every patient which may include:
- Relieving or reducing pain symptoms
- Shrinking or slowing endometrial growths
- Preserving or restoring fertility
- Preventing or delaying recurrence of the disease
If left undiagnosed, endometriosis can be a painful condition to live with. However, with the help of your doctor, you can find ways to cope with it and live a normal life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor and get a thorough examination for endometriosis.
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