Endometriosis - Painful Phases Of Infertility!

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting the lower abdomen (lower belly) in women. In endometriosis, the kind of tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb (endometrial tissue) also grows outside of it. This can happen without the woman being aware of it. But in other women endometriosis is a chronic disease, associated with severe pain and fertility problems.

It often takes years for endometriosis to be diagnosed as the cause of these problems. Until the diagnosis is made, many women try to cope with their pain somehow. They believe that the pain — even really bad pain — is a normal part of their menstrual period.

There is currently no cure for endometriosis. But there are many things that can be done to relieve the symptoms. And if treatment is adapted to suit women's personal circumstances and the severity of their endometriosis, many can cope quite well with the disease.

Symptoms-

The main symptom of endometriosis is pain in the lower abdomen. This often arises when women have their menstrual period, or during or after sex. The severity of pain may vary, sometimes radiating through the lower belly, back and legs. It is often described as “cramp-like” pain, and might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevalence-

Data concerning symptom-free women varies a lot: between 2% and 50% of women are thought to have “silent” endometriosis which they are unaware of.
It is estimated that 40% to 60% of women who have very painful periods also have endometriosis.
20% to 30% of women who are unable to get pregnant are believed to have endometriosis.
 
Effects-

More severe forms of endometriosis can affect nearly every area of a woman’s life. Many feel less womanly as a result of the recurring pain. Particularly young women with severe symptoms may not be able to develop a positive relationship to their own body. Painful sex can make it difficult to have an enjoyable sex life. Women who have more serious forms of endometriosis might not be able to become pregnant and have their own children. Chronic pain may lead to tiredness, irritability and depressed moods. Together, all of these factors can put strain on relationships too.

In many women, the recurring pain makes it difficult to carry out their usual everyday activities, work properly or pursue their hobbies. Women who cannot go to work because of bad pain and cramps often face problems at work, as well as having feelings of guilt and shame.

Diagnosis-

In women who do not have any symptoms, endometriosis is often discovered by chance. Women often first go to see a doctor because they are unable to get pregnant.

There are several things doctors can do to see if you have endometrial implants or endometriosis-related scar tissue or adhesions, and to rule out other causes of your symptoms. At first you will have an in-depth talk with your doctor about the type of symptoms (anamnesis), as well as a general physical and gynecological check-up. Depending on the symptoms, other examinations may be done too, such as an examination of the inside of your abdomen (laparoscopy).

Once finally diagnosed, the available treatment options can often reduce the pain or even make it go away completely. This, as well as knowing it is a benign illness, is a great relief for most women.

Treatment-

There is currently no “cure” for endometriosis – in other words, there are no treatments that can fight what is causing it. But various treatments can help relieve the symptoms, temporarily or permanently. The medication options include painkillers, hormonal contraception and stronger hormone therapy. Painkillers only relieve the symptoms, whereas hormone-based treatments slow down the growth of endometrial implants.

Surgery is also an option. The aim of surgery for endometriosis is usually to remove as many endometrial implants as possible. Sometimes surgery is even necessary – for instance, if endometrial implants are affecting bowel or bladder function.