Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those in the uterus (endometrial cells) or other abdominal organs. These abnormal growths respond to hormonal signals like menstruation, swelling, and shedding their extra tissue. This can cause pain, particularly around your period. It can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women. It typically develops between the ages of 25 and 40. If you have endometriosis, your genes and family history may put you at a higher risk for developing other health issues such as uterine cancer. Endometriosis is also associated with infertility, so you need to see a Jackson Heights endometriosis specialist for treatment before it leads to any complications.
Symptoms
Women living with endometriosis may develop varying symptoms. The most common symptom is pelvic pain that occurs around menstruation. The pain may be deep and cramping or radiating to the thighs, lower back, legs, etc. Sometimes menopause can bring relief from endometriotic symptoms, but they usually return after some time.
Endometrial tissue formed outside the uterus may grow on the surface of the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures. This tissue has no way to exit your body and can cause scarring, adhesions, or inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
If you have endometriosis, you may also experience symptoms such as:
- Excessive pain during or after sex
- Painful bowel movements or urination during menstrual bleeding
- Chronic fatigue, insomnia, and low-grade fevers
Causes
The reasons for endometriosis are not known. Experts believe that tissue from the lining of your uterus (endometrium) may grow on other organs and attach to them, even if they are located outside the uterus, such as in the abdomen, fallopian tubes, or pelvis. Endometriosis is different from adenomyosis. In adenomyosis, endometrial tissue grows into the muscle layer of the uterus.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to examine your external and internal reproductive organs. They may also order an imaging test like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or laparoscopy. The imaging tests can be used to determine the extent of endometriosis inside your body.
Symptoms are not always present in patients with endometriosis, but it is still possible to diagnose the condition before or during a pelvic exam.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for endometriosis. First of all, you need to take a break from trying to get pregnant. This will help you reduce pain caused by the condition while allowing your body time to heal. If pregnancy is not an issue for you, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy. Hormone therapy involves taking drugs that suppress ovulation and stop estrogen production.
Surgery is one of the best options for endometriosis treatment. You may use it to remove or burn away any scarred or painful tissue, including implants or growths on the ovaries. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), your doctor may suggest surgically removing one or both of your fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy).
In summary, endometriosis is a condition that affects women and can cause serious complications if left untreated. It causes symptoms such as pelvic pain and pain during sex. A doctor can diagnose endometriosis using imaging tests. Treatments range from hormone therapy to medication and surgery.