SKDS – Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, causing psychological impact due to severe pain along with negative effects on fertility.
Women of any age can have endometriosis , but cancerous endometriosis is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20-40. In some people, symptoms may begin as early as puberty. According to statistics, among women with endometriosis, up to 30-40% of women are infertile.
Normal endometrium is the layer of cells lining the uterus. They are controlled by the female hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. Under the influence of these hormones, endometrial cells will proliferate and shed, causing menstruation every month in women.
Ectopic endometrial tissue is also under the influence of female hormones similar to normal endometrial tissue. This phenomenon causes inflammatory lesions, fibrosis, scarring or fluid accumulation to form cysts .
1. Causes of endometriosis
The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown. Some experts believe that when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells refluxes from the uterine cavity through the fallopian tube into the pelvic peritoneal cavity, it creates opportunities for these cells to implant and grow in other locations. ectopic at the pelvic peritoneum and visceral serosa of some nearby organs such as the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Your genes also play an important role in contributing to the formation of ectopic endometrial lesions. If your mother or sister has endometriosis, you are likely to have it too. Research shows that the condition tends to get worse over generations.
2. Symptoms of endometriosis
About one-third of women with endometriosis have no symptoms. Others have symptoms ranging from mild, moderate to severe. The level of pain does not indicate the severity or stage of the disease.
Some people may feel a lot of pain but have a mild form of the disease, while others may have a severe form but only have mild symptoms.
Possible symptoms in women with endometriosis include:
- Abdominal pain or back pain during the menstrual cycle.
- Pain when defecating or urinating or having sex.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular menstruation.
- Blood in stools or urine, especially during menstruation.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving.
Endometriosis can be very severe and greatly affects the patient’s quality of life. Some patients fall into a state of anxiety or depression because the disease persists for a long time. Medication can help relieve pain, and mental health care is essential.
Endometriosis may increase the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial adenocarcinomas.
3. How is endometriosis diagnosed?
In addition to a pelvic exam, doctors order a pelvic ultrasound, CT-scan or MRI, which can help detect lesions of endometriosis.
Diagnostic laparoscopy identifies endometriosis lesions on the peritoneal surface and pelvic organs. Biopsy is typically performed via diagnostic laparoscopy by collecting a tissue sample of the lesion and submitting it for histological testing.
Because this is an invasive surgery, it is often not prescribed to patients with the goal of initially diagnosing the disease, but is often applied when the patient has indications for laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis or endometriosis. Treat other gynecological conditions.
4. Treatment methods for endometriosis
There is no complete cure for endometriosis. The goal of treatment is to address the symptoms and health problems caused by endometriosis such as pain, infertility, tumors, etc.
Depending on the individual, doctors determine short-term and long-term treatment goals for each patient. The principle of treatment is to use some over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) which can be helpful in temporarily relieving pain during menstruation.
If these medications do not provide pain relief, doctors will have other options such as: Hormone therapy; Surgery. However, surgery is sometimes indicated in cases of infertility to diagnose or repair the fallopian tubes. In severe cases, patients may need surgery to remove the uterus and/or ovaries.
Lifestyle changes can help people with endometriosis
5. Lifestyle changes can help people with endometriosis specifically:
- Need to eat healthy
Research shows that there is an association between endometriosis and a diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in red meat. Some experts believe that consuming high amounts of animal fat causes the body to increase the synthesis of a substance called Prostaglandins, an intermediate that leads to increased production of Estrogen.
Endometriosis patients are recommended to eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Because research also shows that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and nuts, are also beneficial for patients. Conversely, eating a lot of saturated fat (trans fat) doubles the risk of developing endometriosis. Patients also need to avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine.
- Need to exercise regularly
There are many reasons why exercise is a great way to control endometriosis. According to research, exercise will help the heart pump blood to all organs, improve circulation, and help nutrients and oxygen circulate to all systems of the body.
Women who exercise may also have less estrogen and have lighter menstrual periods, which may help improve symptoms of endometriosis over time. Studies have also shown that the more time you spend doing high-intensity exercises like jogging or cycling… the less likely you are to get endometriosis.
Exercise reduces stress and releases chemicals in the brain, including endorphins, which can help relieve pain.
