Major Cause Of Infertility In Women (Endometriosis : Common Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatments)
You may be having some abdominal pains, painful urination , painful menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual flow for a while now and wondering what may be the possible cause? well endometriosis might be the reason. I hope you find this article on endometriosis helpful.
The big question is what is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a health condition in which the tissue that is similar to the tissue that lines the woman’s uterus grows outside of the uterus . This tissue acts like regular uterine tissue does during your period .It will break apart and bleed at the end of the cycle .But this blood has nowhere to go .The surrounding areas may become inflamed or swollen and this may result to scar or lesions.
In the case of endometriosis the tissue can be found on the ovaries ,fallopian tubes or the intestines. Endometriosis is a condition that mostly affect females of child bearing age .This tissue responds to hormones that affect the menstrual cycle in the same way that mostly affect the menstrual cycle that endometrial tissue and is often painful.
The tissue is not cancerous ,but it can lead to scarring and adhesions, fallopian tubes and cyst can form due to blood that is trapped .
WHERE ENDOMETEROISIS IS LIKELY FOUND
- The ovaries ,The ligaments that supports the uterus
- The fallopian tubes
- The posterior cul-de-sac i.e. space between the uterus and the rectum
- The anterior cul-de-sac i.e. space between the uterus and the bladder
- The lining of the pelvic cavity
- The intestines
- The rectum
- The bladder
- The vagina
- The cervix
- The vulva
- The abdominal surgery scars
STAGES OF ENDOMTRIOSIS
These stages are based on the location ,amount ,size ,extent of spread of the tissue ,involvement of pelvic structures in the disease, the extent of pelvic adhesions, and also blockage of the fallopian tubes. It is therefore categories into:
- Minimal stage
- Moderate stage
- Severe stage
SYMPTOMS ENDOMETRIOSIS
- Excessive menstrual cramps at the abdomen or lower back
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow
- Infertility
- Painful urination during menstrual period
- Other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation or nausea.
CAUSES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
Retrograde Menstruation: Is a condition whereby menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic instead of outside the body .
Other causes are as follows:
- Transformation of peritoneal cells
- Embryonic cell transformation
- Surgical scar implantation
- Immune systems disorder
- Endometrial cell transport
- Disorders of the reproductive tract
TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
Pain Medication: non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other over-the -counter analgesics.
Hormone Therapy: Oral contraceptives with combined estrogen or progestin to prevent ovulation and reduce menstrual flow
Gonadotropin: helps to release hormone agonish which stop the production of hormone in the ovary.
Laparoscopy : is a minor surgical procedure in which a thin tube with a lens and a light is inserted through the vagina to see the pelvic area. The doctor can often remove the endometrial growths.
Laparotomy : is a more extensive surgery to remove as much of the displaced endometrium without damaging healthy tissues
Hysterectomy : is a surgery carried out to remove the uterus and possibly the ovaries as well.
SOME HELPFUL TIPS TO EASE PAIN
1. Make sure you have adequate rest
2. Take warm baths
3. Prevent constipation
4. Ensure you exercise regularly
5. Use hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen
Endometriosis is a serious health challenge affecting the reproductive health i .e .fertility of women worldwide which when not properly treated on time can results into bareness .You will do well to visit a gynecologist for proper medical examination.
Health is wealth .