You must have witnessed many women or young girls around you suffering from severe abdominal pain when they are on periods or they are dealing with backache or some of them also go through intermenstrual bleeding. Sometimes even the sufferer is unaware of the reason behind their pain. Do you wonder why this happens to them? There is a high chance that there is endometriosis and fibroids developing inside their body. Let’s gather more information about it.
Endometriosis refers to the formation of a lining similar to the endometrium outside the uterus. The lining of cells formed around the uterus is termed endometrium. Endometriosis develops lining mostly around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lining tissues of the pelvis. It can also generate around the cervix, vulva, vagina, rectum or bladder.
Endometrial implant on the improper sites causes pain and inflammation in that area. Eventually, when the tissues of endometriosis degenerate, they remain trapped in the pelvis as they have no way out of the body. Stuck tissues can cause multiple disorders associated with the reproductive system.
Symptoms of endometriosis:
- Endometriosis can occur in any menstruating female, but it is majorly found in females aged between 30 to 40. Symptoms of this disorder can vary in each individual; some show mild symptoms some go through severe symptoms. The severity of discomfort does not confirm the stage of the condition. Endometriosis patients can show the following symptoms:
- Pain during or after intercourse.
- Uncomfortable and painful periods are the most common symptom. Cramps in the body and pelvic region can happen before and after the menstrual flow. Intermenstrual bleeding can also happen.
- Painful urination and bowel movement during periods.
- Sometimes endometriosis can lead to infertility as it makes a layer on the fallopian tubes.
- The suffering woman can also feel bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, and fatigue during the menstrual cycle.
What causes endometriosis?
There is no certain reason behind the occurrence of endometriosis but possible explanations are as follows-
- The immune system fails to recognize improper implantation of endometrium hence it fails to destroy endometrial-like growing tissues located other than the uterus.
- Retrograde menstruation can also be a possible reason for endometriosis. It refers to the condition when endometrial cells are unable to flow outside of the body instead, they flow back via fallopian tubes. These endometrial cells start accumulating around pelvic organs.
- C-section delivery sometimes can cause surgical scar which can result in menstrual blood released into the pelvic cavity ultimately giving rise to endometriosis.
Stages of endometriosis:
Endometriosis can show four stages namely; minimal, mild, moderate, and severe. The stages depend on the location of implantation, size, depth, and number of linings. The minimal stage is confirmed by the presence of small lesions and linings around the ovaries. The mild stage can cover the pelvic lining along with the ovaries and light lesions are visible in the locations. Deep implants of false endometrial linings are traceable in the moderate stage of endometriosis. Severe endometriosis can lead to the formation of endometrial lining on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, and other pelvic cavity organs. Cysts can also be present during this stage of endometriosis.
Detection of endometriosis:
To diagnose the condition of endometriosis various processes are performed, such as;
- A physical exam of the pelvic area is performed by the doctor with the help of a speculum. The doctor examines the vagina to find out if cysts or scars are present around the uterus.
- Transvaginal ultrasound is also a satisfying procedure to detect endometriosis. A probe is inserted into the vagina to detect the presence of cysts.
- A laparoscopy is performed to identify endometriosis. Laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure to confirm and remove false endometrial tissues present in the location.
Associated Risks:
Several risks are associated with the onset of endometriosis. Such as:
- The onset of menses at an early age.
- A short cycle of menstruation ie; less than 26 days.
- A longer period of menstrual flow that lasts 7 or more days.
- Occurrence of menopause at an older age.
- Infertility
- High level of estrogen hormone.
- Disrupted condition in the reproductive tract.
Treatment of endometriosis:
Although there is no certain treatment, pain can be subsided with medicine or surgery depending on the severity. Treatment options are-
- Simple pain relief medicines (eg paracetamol)
- Progesterone administration to reduce estrogen level ( oral or progesterone releasing CuT MIRENA)
- Other medicines like dienogest
- Laparoscopy ( Endometrriotic cystectomy, fulguration of endometriotic implants)
- Hysterectomy
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous sprouting on the uterine muscular walls. These are also referred to as myomas or leiomyomas. It almost never happens that myomas develop into cancer. The patient may have one fibroid or multiple fibroids at a time. Fibroid’s size may vary from seedling size to a bigger size which can expand the uterus. Sometimes due to fibroids the size of the uterus expands up to the rib cage causing ultimate discomfort.
Symptoms of fibroids:
Generally, fibroids do not cause major problems but some females can experience the following symptoms-
- Painful periods with heavy flow and for a longer time than usual.
- Tiredness after heavy menstrual flow hence causes iron deficiency in the body.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Feeling of exhausted bladder or bowel whole day.
Diagnosis of fibroids:
- Ultrasound of abdomen and vagina.
- MRI
- Hysteroscopy to look inside the uterus with the help of a thin telescope.
- Laparoscopy through the belly button to examine the pelvic organs.
Treatments of fibroids:
A combination of medicine and hormones is given to the patient to diminish the size of fibroids. Ultrasound is performed to melt the fibroids in order to destroy them. Medication is given to relieve pain. Fibroids can be surgically removed through laparoscopy, hysterectomy, or open surgery. For more treatment, there are numerous best IVF doctors available.
Conclusion:
Endometriosis and fibroids both disorders are associated with the uterus. Endometriosis is the formation of pseudo endometrial lining out of the uterine walls and fibroids are the non-cancerous outgrowth in the uterine muscular walls. Endometriosis and fibroids can be prevented with hormonal and medicinal treatment and surgery. Are you looking for one of the top-rated women’s healthcare practitioners in Chandigarh, Vivant clinic is here to help you, The top-notch best gynaecologist of Chandigarh assists females of every age who are facing feminine problems. We with our gynaecologist services in Chandigarh make sure that every woman gets to live a disease-free life. Contact us now.