Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Nidhi Sehrawet
In India, almost 25 million women are affected by severe pain and fatigue during their menstrual cycle every month, which can be a result of endometriosis or infertility. Endometriosis is a common yet often misunderstood health condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus starts growing outside the uterus, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes fertility issues. Despite its severity, endometriosis is rarely spoken about and understood due to the taboo associated with menstruation.
Let’s discuss the meaning of endometriosis, its symptoms, and what treatment options are available to cure this illness.
What is Endometriosis Disease?
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition wherein the tissues that grow inside the uterus lining grow outside of it.
This may take place on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. With endometriosis, exiled endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would—it condenses, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle.
It happens because the displaced tissue has no way to exit the body, and consequently, it becomes trapped. The resulting discomfort is so physically and emotionally excruciating that it can harshly dominate a woman’s life.
Also Read: How painful is endometriosis? What to expect after the surgery
How Common is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is more common than many people realise. According to the WHO, endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. This means millions of women experience this condition, often without knowing it.
The challenge is that endometriosis is sometimes misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, as it can be mistaken for other health issues. Further studies suggest that about 30–50% of women with infertility may have endometriosis.
Endometriosis Explained in Detail by Crysta IVF
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRFFmJ_DjeM
What are Endometriosis Symptoms?
The symptoms of endometriosis vary from one person to another, with pain being one of the prominent symptoms.
In many cases, women having endometriosis usually don’t experience any condition or symptoms associated with endometriosis.
- Severe Pain
- Infertility/subfertility
- Conception failure
- Constipation
- Pain and discomfort during bowel movements
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Joint pain
These are some of the common signs or symptoms of endometriosis.
Also Read: What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?
What are the Causes of Endometriosis?
There are no exact causes of endometriosis proven by research till now. It is perceived that it happens due to blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries. It is also associated with a genetic connection. Women with a mother or sister who has or had endometriosis are more prone to suffer from endometriosis and reproductive health conditions.
Some other common causes of endometriosis are:
Retrograde menstruation
Retrograde menstruation is when a woman’s period flow takes the wrong route. Most women experience this to some extent, but if it’s abnormal, there are chances that it will cause pain and resultantly may lead to endometriosis. Retrograde menstruation is a condition that occurs when period blood flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of flowing through the vagina.
Hormone Transformation
As per the research studies, another perceived cause of endometriosis could be when hormones change the cells outside the uterus into cells resembling the endometrial lining.
It is also believed that endometriosis may also happen when a woman’s abdomen areas begin to convert into endometrial tissue. The cause of this condition is yet to be figured out.
Other Possible Causes of Endometriosis
- Disorders related to menstrual flow prevents the passing of blood and tissue from the body
- Genetic factors
- Short-length periods
- C-section or hysterectomy
- High amounts of the hormone estrogen
- Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol
- Immune disorders
Who Can Get Endometriosis?
According to medical reports, any girl or woman who has menstrual periods can experience endometriosis. But the condition is more prevalent in women who are in their 30s and 40s.
Women are more likely to get endometriosis in the following conditions:
- Women who have never delivered a child/children
- Menstruation periods that last more than a week
- Menstruation cycle equal to or shorter than 27 days or fewer
- History of endometriosis
What Does Endometriosis Pain Feel Like?
While pain is the primary symptom of endometriosis, women often mistakenly consider it period pain or menstrual abdominal pain. But the pain or discomfort associated with endometriosis is worse than period pain.
Sickness, painful intercourse, abnormal uterine bleeding, low back pain, spotting between menstrual cycles, diarrhoea, and blood in the urine (rare) are other bowel disturbances experienced by women having endometriosis.
Also Read: Yoga Poses for Endometriosis
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing endometriosis can be tricky because its symptoms, such as pelvic pain, heavy periods, or infertility, can overlap with other conditions. When you visit a fertility expert, they will start with a detailed medical history and symptom discussion.
Here’s how endometriosis is diagnosed:
- Medical history review: The doctor asks about symptoms like pelvic pain, painful periods, infertility and family history of endometriosis.
- Pelvic examination: The doctor checks for cysts, scars, or tenderness in the pelvic area.
- Ultrasound scan: Uses sound waves to create images of the reproductive organs to detect cysts.
- MRI scan: Provides detailed images to identify the size and location of endometrial growths.
- Laparoscopy: A minor surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted through the abdomen to view and confirm endometriosis directly.
What are the Treatment Methods for Endometriosis?
The treatment of the endometriosis problem is done in two ways. It includes: The traditional method through medications and the modern techniques through surgery. Let’s discuss both methods in detail:
Medications for Treating Endometriosis
The traditional methods of treating endometriosis include prescribing pain relievers, hormonal birth control (pills, patch, ring, IUD, implant, etc.), and treatments related to the condition’s hormonal and immune system components.
Birth control medications are usually prescribed to women who are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. Such patients are given medications to prevent the body from making hormones that promote ovulation, monthly periods and the growth of endometriosis.
The treatment is responsible for controlling the growth and development of endometriosis, and in some cases, it also leads to temporary menopause.
Surgery for Treating Endometriosis
When hormone therapy fails to work, fertility experts recommend surgical treatments to stop the occurrence of symptoms. During a surgical procedure, infertility specialists remove the endometrial patches.
Surgical methods used for treating Endometriosis include:
- Fertility Treatment: Having endometriosis can make it difficult to conceive. Your doctor might suggest fertility treatment if you are having trouble getting pregnant. You are provided with medicines that encourage the ovaries to produce more eggs is one type of fertility treatment. Next, you will undergo a set of processes known as in vitro fertilisation, which combine sperm and eggs outside the body.
- Laparoscopic surgery: In this procedure, your surgeon will make a small cut in your abdomen and insert a thin tube-like tool called a laparoscope into your body. The laparoscope can see inside your body and identify endometriosis with a high-definition camera. Your surgeon can insert additional surgical instruments to remove the problematic tissue.
- Hysterectomy: In severe cases, your surgeon may suggest removing your uterus and/or ovaries.
Along with treatment, it is advised to change your lifestyle and adopt methods to improve your health condition.
6 Natural Lifestyle Tips to Manage Endometriosis
As already told above, there is no particular cure designed to treat endometriosis, and surgical and medicinal methods are considered effective for the treatment of endometriosis. Lifestyle factors, however, can help you reduce the symptoms of endometriosis.
Here are some effective ways to manage endometriosis by making certain lifestyle changes.
- Consult your doctor and manage your intake of Omega-3 fats because these are anti-inflammatory and healthy fats. You can get Omega-3 from plant-based foods and fish.
- Trans fats are considered to be unhealthy for fertility and overall health. When consumed in excess, trans fats start decreasing the levels of good HDL cholesterol and increasing bad HDL cholesterol levels. By limiting your consumption of trans fats, you can improve your heart health as well.
- Doctors and fertility experts suggest limiting the consumption of red meat for women suffering from endometriosis.
- Eating plenty of green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis.
- Limit intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Minimise your intake of processed foods to control and manage the symptoms of endometriosis.
Can Endometriosis Affect Fertility in Women?
Yes, endometriosis can significantly impact a woman’s fertility. The condition causes endometrial-like tissue to grow outside the uterus, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. As a result, it can be harder for the egg and sperm to meet naturally, making conception difficult.
But don’t worry! Women with endometriosis can still achieve pregnancy through in vitro fertilisation. However, the chances of conceiving may be slightly lower compared to those without the condition.
When Should I see a Fertility Expert for Endometriosis?
If you are trying to conceive a baby but get a negative result even after having unprotected sex for more than 6 months, you must immediately contact a fertility expert.
Also, if you experience any of the endometriosis symptoms mentioned above, feel free to reach out to a fertility expert at Crysta IVF best IVF Centre in Delhi, for a timely diagnosis.
The fertility experts here have more than two decades of experience in treating patients with extra care and making sure that any woman looking forward to planning for a baby while getting diagnosed with endometriosis can do so with the help of in vitro fertilisation treatment.
Whether it’s about bringing positive news into your life or helping you stay physically and mentally fit throughout your IVF or other fertility treatment journey, Crysta IVF stands together with you in all circumstances with its unwavering dedication.
To Sum Up
Endometriosis can reduce the number and quality of eggs, which in turn may affect embryo development. However, with the right medical management, surgical treatment (in certain cases), and a customised IVF plan, many women with endometriosis have successfully conceived and carried healthy pregnancies.
Remember, early diagnosis and fertility planning play a crucial role in improving outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were your first signs of endometriosis?
The first signs often include severe period pain that feels worse than usual cramps, pelvic pain that may occur before and during periods, pain during intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, and sometimes fertility problems.
Can I live a long life with endometriosis?
Yes, you can live a long life with endometriosis. It is not a life-threatening problem, and many women live long, healthy lives with it. However, it can affect your quality of life due to chronic pain, fatigue, and possible fertility challenges.
How do you check yourself for endometriosis?
There’s no self-test for endometriosis. If you suspect it, track your symptoms (pain severity, cycle changes, unusual bleeding) and visit a fertility specialist.
Does endometriosis go away with time?
Endometriosis does not usually go away on its own. Symptoms may improve with treatment, during pregnancy, or after menopause, but the condition itself can remain.
What does stage 1 endometriosis look like?
Stage 1 endometriosis means there are small spots or lesions of endometrial-like tissue, usually found on pelvic organs.
At what age can endometriosis start?
There is no specific age for endometriosis. It can start anytime after a girl begins menstruating, often during the teenage years. However, some women develop symptoms in their late teens, while others notice them in their 20s or 30s.
What is the rapid test for endometriosis?
Currently, there is no rapid, home-based test for endometriosis. You must directly consult a fertility doctor to undergo tests and a diagnosis.
What’s the difference between PCOS and endometriosis?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, excess male hormones, and multiple cysts in the ovaries. Whereas endometriosis is when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and sometimes infertility.
Can endometriosis be cancerous?
No, endometriosis itself is not cancer. However, doctors warn that in very rare cases, long-term endometriosis can slightly increase the risk of certain ovarian cancers.
Does endometriosis cause weight gain?
Endometriosis does not directly cause weight gain, but bloating, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or side effects from certain treatments may lead to temporary weight changes.
Can endometriosis be diagnosed by ultrasound?
Yes, endometriosis can be diagnosed by ultrasound. It can sometimes detect endometriosis-related cysts (endometriomas) but may miss small lesions. Hence, a thorough MRI is suggested to confirm the endometriosis condition.
