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Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background

Endometriosis is a condition where tissues normally lining a woman’s uterus grow or attach to organs located outside. During menstruation, the uterual lining is shed as per normal, but the portion growing outside the uterus remains. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This is likely to cause scar tissue formation and some discomfort.

There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It is a key cause of gynecologic surgeries, chronic pelvin discomfort, and infertility.

What Leads To Endometriosis?

Presently, the cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but experts have suggested a few possible reasons. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.

Symptoms

Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Females may also feel pain during ovulation and while having sex, GI problems like diarrhea, constipation or bloating, and even discomfort while passing stools. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other laboratory and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CAT scans, or MRIs do not normally lead to conclusive results. A doctor will need to look into the patient’s symptoms, as well as her medical history. In trying to diagnose the disease, the doctor may use laparatomy or a laparoscopic procedure.

Cure for Endometriosis?

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

Treatment Methods

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. If it doesn’t react well, one might need to take prescription medications.

Hormonal Drug Therapy

Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The objective here is to prevent further aggravation of the lesions and guard against the onset of other symptoms. These types of medications include GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is normally recommended for those who have been through 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 conservative surgery is not effective, doctors may recommend hysterectomy and/or other, more invasive, surgical methods.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as fertility herbs. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence in support of these natural therapies which aim to “do no harm” while stimulating the body’s inherent defense and recovery mechanisms to heal itself.