Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium- a tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissues. Quite rarely, but endometrium-like tissue can also grow in areas apart from the pelvis.
The endometrium grows inside your uterus, preparing it for a possible pregnancy and providing an appropriate environment for a child to survive. However, when fertilization does not occur, it sheds in the form of periods. Therefore endometrium has the capability of thickening and shedding off.
When the endometrium grows outside the uterus, it acts in the same way as it is supposed to thicken up and tries to shed itself. But in those parts where it grows inappropriately, it gets trapped. If you have any symptoms of endometriosis, you should visit the healthcare provider for its treatment. You can consult with the Best Gynecologist in Islamabad.
What are The Symptoms of Endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain during menstruation. Some women may also complain of cramps. But those who are diagnosed with endometriosis describe it as a more severe pain than normal periods. The pain associated with endometriosis may also worsen over time. However, the common signs and symptoms of endometriosis are:
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is referred to as painful periods. When you menstruate, you may have more than normal pelvic pain along with cramps. It may not subside with over the counter pain reliever.
Dyspareunia
Dyparneia is pain during sex. Endometriosis leads to pain during and after sex.
Pain in Bowel Movement and Urination
Endometriosis can also lead to pain in bowel movements and urination.
Bleeding
Endometriosis may cause abnormally increased menstrual bleeding. Moreover, it may also cause bleeding during periods.
Infertility
Endometriosis can also lead to infertility.
The other signs and symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Bloating
These symptoms may aggravate during periods.
Your pain and symptoms may not be reliable indicators of endometriosis. It is possible that you may have severe pain with mild endometriosis and have severe endometriosis with mild pain.
The symptoms of endometriosis resemble the symptoms of other diseases. Your healthcare provider may perform an ultrasound to know about it.
What are the Risk Factors for Endometriosis?
Various factors can increase your risk of getting endometriosis, such as:
- Never giving birth to the child
- Getting periods started at an early age and menopause at a late age- both these factors increase the exposure of estrogen for a long time, which in turn serves as a risk factor for endometriosis.
- Short menstrual cycle like less than 27 days interval between the periods.
- Periods that last longer than seven days
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Low body mass index- means being underweight as desired according to the body mass index.
- Having a family history of endometriosis. If your mother, sister, or aunt has it, the chances are raised for you too.
- Any health condition of the reproductive system
- Having any medical condition that does not let the blood flow through the vagina during periods
The signs and symptoms of endometriosis develop slowly and gradually. They may not be present at the time of menarche. However, they may develop as you age. And may settle down during pregnancy. They may also go away completely at menopause until and unless you are taking estrogen as hormonal therapy.
What are the Complications of Endometriosis?
The complications of endometriosis are:
- Infertility
- Ovarian cancer
However, that does not mean that every woman with endometriosis can not conceive or will get ovarian cancer. They can give birth to a child and may not get ovarian cancer. But they need the right treatment for it.
If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to various complications. If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you can consult with the Best Gynecologist in Lahore.
