Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background

Endometriosis is a female health condition that occurs when the uterine tissues either grow or attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces discomfort.

More than seven million females in the United States have endometriosis, says the Endometriosis Research Center. It has been found to be the key causes of chronic pain in the pelvis, gynecologic surgeries, and infertility.

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Why Does Endometriosis Happen?

Currently, the reason for the occurrence of endometriosis is still not known, but experts propose several possible causes. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse and ovulation, painful bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea and constipation. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic means such as MRIs, CAT scans or ultrasound are normally inconclusive. A healthcare practitioner needs to look into the signs and symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. In trying to diagnose the disease, the doctor may use laparatomy or a laparoscopic procedure.

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A Cure for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis has no cure yet, but physicians recommend several treatment methods to help a patient manage her symptoms.

Treatment

Methods to manage endometriosis include:

Pain Medication

Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. It this does not work, one may need to take prescription drugs.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The key here is to stop the further provocation of the lesions and to protect oneself against the onset of other related problems. These drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. Hormone therapy is used especially for patients who have undergone surgery.

Surgery

Doctors use conservative surgery such as laparoscopy and laparatomy to diagnose the disease, as well as remove the abnormal growths. If it succeeds, it will help eliminate pain and increase the chances of pregnancy.

If a conservative surgical procedure is ineffective, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy or some other invasive surgical method.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Some of the common and more popular natural treatments are acupuncture, Chinese medicaine, and nutrition-based programs like herbs for fertility. There exists a considerable amount of studies that support the effectiveness of these natural treatments to do no harm and to awaken the body’s inherent defense mechanisms and healing activity.

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 28th, 2010 at 12:35 pm and is filed under Lose Weight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.