endometriosis

Endometriosis: The Silent Struggle Behind Pelvic Pain and Infertility.

Introduction

Are you experiencing severe pelvic pain or struggling with infertility without understanding why? You’re not alone. Endometriosis is a commonly misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore endometriosis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help raise awareness and promote better care for those affected.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where the tissue that lines the womb (endometrium) grows outside the womb, usually in the pelvic cavity. This condition affects 6-10% of women of reproductive age, making it a prevalent health issue. Sadly, many women suffer from this condition in silence due to limited awareness and understanding of the condition. On average, it takes 8-11 years from the onset of symptoms to be diagnosed, highlighting the need for improved recognition and education.

Causes and Affected Organs

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the womb, leading to inflammation and pain. While the endometrial tissue often affects the ovaries, tubes, and the outer surface of the womb, it can also spread to other pelvic organs, such as the bladder, bowels, and rectum. In rare instances, endometrial tissue can even be found outside the pelvic region.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Persistent pelvic pain, particularly during periods
  • Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Painful bowel movements or urination
  • Infertility affecting up to 50% of infertile women

Tests and Diagnosis

Diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult; however, your doctor may use a combination of methods, including:

  • Pelvic examination
  • Ultrasound or MRI
  • Laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure enabling the doctor to examine the pelvic organs and obtain tissue samples for a definitive diagnosis

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and your personal choices. Options include:

  • Medications: Painkillers, hormone therapy, or family planning tablets may help manage symptoms.
  • Surgical management: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove endometrial tissue, improve the ability to become pregnant, or cure pain. Patients should weigh the benefits of surgery against potential risks, which may include risks such as infection, bleeding, and organ damage.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure using small cuts and a tiny camera to remove endometrial tissue. This technique offers numerous benefits over traditional open surgery, such as quicker recovery time, smaller scars, reduced post-operative pain, and a lower risk of complications. However, it is important to note that the recurrence of symptoms is common after surgery, with up to 50% of women experiencing pain within five years.

Conclusion

Living with endometriosis can be challenging, but understanding the condition and seeking the right medical care can make a significant difference.

At Sugabi Clinic, we are devoted to empowering you with the knowledge and support you need to take control of your health. To learn more about how Sugabi Clinic can help you overcome endometriosis, visit our patient education website at www.sugabi.lk.

References

  1. Giudice LC. Clinical practice. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(25):2389-98. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1000274.
  2. Bulletti C, Coccia ME, Battistoni S, Borini A. Endometriosis and infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2010;27(8):441-7. doi: 10.1007/s10815-010-9436-1.
  3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Endometriosis [Internet]. Washington, D.C.: ACOG; 2018 [cited 2023 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis.
  4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management [Internet]. London: NICE; 2017 [cited 2023 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73.
  5. Johnson NP, Hummelshoj L, Adamson GD, Keckstein J, Taylor HS, Abrao MS, et al. World Endometriosis Society consensus on the classification of endometriosis. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(2):315-24. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dew293.
  6. Dunselman GA, Vermeulen N, Becker C, Calhaz-Jorge C, D’Hooghe T, De Bie B, et al. ESHRE guideline: management of women with endometriosis. Hum Reprod. 2014;29(3):400-12. doi: 10.1093/humrep/det457.
  7. Vercellini P, Crosignani PG, Abbiati A, Somigliana E, Vigano P, Fedele L. The effect of surgery for symptomatic endometriosis: the other side of the story. Hum Reprod Update. 2009;15(2):177-88. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmn062.

Comments are closed.