Endometriosis – Even though endometriosis affects 10% of women globally, there are still many misconceptions about it. It is a disease where tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, resulting in severe pain and possibly infertility. The fact that there are no distinct symptoms is remarkable. Read this article to learn more about endo-metriosis.
Table of Contents
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a type of disorder that affects the women’s reproductive organ in which harmful tissues are grown outside the lining of the uterus. Because it affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining, among other reproductive system components, this results in pain. These growths can occasionally even grow outside of the pelvic region. Cysts called endometriomas can develop as a result of endo-metriosis affecting the ovaries.
The following are a few regions where endo-metriosis can develop:
- Outside & back of your uterus
- Bladder and ureters
- Diaphragm & Intestines
- Ovaries & Fallopian tubes
- Vagina & Rectum
- Lining of your abdomen and pelvis
Read More: Menstruation – Menstrual Cycle, Phase, Symptoms, Myth
Endometriosis stages
There are four types or stages of endo-metriosis which are following.
- minimal
- mild
- moderate
- severe
The disorder’s stage is determined by a variety of circumstances. The location, amount, sizes, and depth of endometrial implants are a few examples of these variables.
Stage 1: Minimal
You have superficial endometrial implants on your ovaries and little lesions or sores if you have mild endo-metriosis. Additionally, your pelvic cavity or its surrounding tissues can be inflamed.
Stage 2: Mild
Light lesions and superficial implants on the lining of the pelvis and ovaries are signs of mild endo-metriosis.
Stage 3: Moderate
Numerous deep implants on your ovaries and pelvic walls are indicative of moderate endo-metriosis. Additionally, additional lesions may occur.
Stage 4: Severe
Numerous deep implants on your ovaries and pelvic lining are a sign of the most advanced stage of endometriosis. Additionally, there can be lesions on your intestines and fallopian tubes. Additionally, you may have cysts on one or both of your ovariesTrusted Source.
Endometriosis Causes
Although the precise cause of endo-metriosis is unknown, the following options may be the reason:
- Spread through blood: Endometrial tissues can also be carried to other parts of the body via the blood or lymphatic systems just like cancer cell spread.
- Direct transplantation: Following surgery, such as a hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells can bind to the abdominal or other organ walls.
- Infection: Any type of previous infection also causes endo-metriosis.
- Genetics: Endo-metriosis may have a hereditary component because it appears to run in some families more frequently than in others.
- Retrograde menstruation: During the menstrual cycle, endometrial tissue goes back to the fallopian tubes or the abdomen instead of leaving the body through vagina.
- Transformation: Cells outside of the endometrium have the potential to develop into endometrial cells.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Although there isn’t a single symptom associated with endometriosis, it’s crucial to consult a doctor if you or someone you know feels any of the following. Pelvic pain is the main symptom, and it frequently gets worse during menstruation. Many people experience cramps, but endo-metriosis patients report far worse agony. With time, this pain may also get worse.
Some common signs consist of:
- Painful Periods: Cramps & pelvic pain are normal before or after the menstrual cycle in Endo-metriosis. Women that are suffering from this disorder can also experience stomach & lower back pain.
- Pain during Sex: Endometriosis patients often experience pain during or after sex.
- Discomfort or Painful Urination: These symptoms are more likely to occur either before or during your menstrual cycle.
- Excessive Bleeding: You might occasionally experience strong menstrual flow or intermenstrual bleeding.
- Fertility Issues: In certain cases, endo-metriosis is initially discovered during examinations related to infertility therapy.
- Symptoms may be: Women can have nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or exhaustion.
Endometriosis Diagnosis
Following a physical examination or review of the medical history, doctors may suspect endo-metriosis and utilise one of the following diagnostic techniques:
- Biopsy: A little tool may be used by a doctor to scrape off a few cells from any suspicious tissue and send them to a lab. The tissues or cells of endometriosis are tested under a microscope by a Doctor. A biopsy is necessary for an accurate endometriosis diagnosis.
- Laparoscopy: A small cut is made in the stomach or abdomen by the doctor to introduce a thin tube that contains a light and a camera. This enables a specialist to examine the uterine tissues and surrounding tissues in order to seek for indications of the growth of endometrial tissue.
- Ultrasound: This technique views organs using sound waves. A little wand is placed into the vagina during a transvaginal ultrasound procedure to view the reproductive organs, pelvis, and uterus.
- MRI: Magnetic waves are used in this non-invasive scan to examine inside organs & tissues.
Conclusion
From the time of a person’s first menstrual cycle until menopause, endo-metriosis may begin. Due to Endometriosis, tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside it. This causes swelling & scar tissue to form in the pelvic area and Also in the other parts of the body in rare cases. However, technology is developing day by day but still the cause of endo-metriosis is unknown. Although there is no known cure, medication and, in certain situations, surgery can be used to address the symptoms. If you feel some of these symptoms, you should definitely consult with the doctor or gynaecologist..
Reference Links:-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9537113/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312961150_Endometriosis_Epidemiology_Diagnosis_and_Clinical_Management
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332475915_Endometriosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8508982/
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