Endometriosis: The Hidden suffering of Millions

What is Endometriosis? *

Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the uterus lining (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, anchoring itself to other Pelvic & abdominal organs, causing chronic pain, cysts and infertility.

Let us increase our awareness to help patients for timely treatment​

Endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally.

~ World Health Organization (WHO).​

Common symptoms § 

A significant number of women remain asymptomatic. Others may suffer from: 

1. Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)

2. Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)

3. Pain with bowel movements or urination

4. Excessive menstrual bleeding

5. Bleeding between periods (Inter-menstrual bleeding)

6. Infertility

7. Other symptoms:

a) Fatigue

b) Diarrhea

c) Constipation

d) Bloating or nausea​

Are there any Risk factors ^^ 

Factors that enhance the risk of developing endometriosis are: 

1. History of infertility and subsequent endoscopic diagnostics.

2. Prolonged menstrual periods (> 7 days) or shorter gap between menstrual cycles (<27 days).

3. Family history of endometriosis within blood relations.

4. Conditions unbalancing normal menstrual flow.

5. Immune system disorders.

6. Sometimes history of abdominal surgery like C-Section​

Causes #

1. At large, the cause is unknown. However, a few conditions precipitate the growth of the endometrium outside of the uterus.

2. Problems with the menstrual period flow like- Retrograde menstruation, i.e., the menstrual blood flowing in the reverse direction, is the most common cause.

3. Genetic factors, Hormonal imbalances, past lower abdominal surgery (C-Section), Immune system disorder may also be the cause.

Identifying Endometriosis ** 

Endometriosis must be distinguished from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian or uterine tumors.

It can be diagnosed through:

1. TV Ultra-sonography

2. MRI

3. Laparoscopy

Treatment options:**

A) Medical treatment: It include Pain Management and various hormonal therapies, which may be effective in the pain relief due to endometriosis. The objective is to inhibit ovulation for 4–9 months and to lower hormone levels to reduce symptoms.

B) Surgical Measures:​

1. Is effective both in reducing pain and in promoting fertility.
2. Women with excessive pain for whom childbearing is not a consideration can be treated with total abdominal hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
3. In premenopausal women, hormone replacement may then be used to relieve vasomotor symptoms.

The bottom line:

The prognosis for reproductive function in early or moderately advanced endometriosis appears to be good with conservative therapy. However, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key!​

References

- https://www.nhp.gov.in *

- https://mayocl.in/3tsWD8s §

- https://mayocl.in/3sANk77 ^^

- https://bit.ly/3HEzHbF **

- https://bit.ly/3ttMOHg #​

- www.nhs.uk ^​​​