Endometriosis And Pregnancy – No Cure But Pregnancy Is Still Possible
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. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It can get torn, break down and bleed. This could lead to scar tissue formation and some pain and discomfort.
The Endometriosis Research Center says that there are more than 7 million recorded cases of endometriosis among women in the United States. It is a leading cause of infertility, gynecologic surgeries and chronic pelvic pain.
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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. Recent studies point that the condition may be genetic.
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Symptoms
Common symptoms of endometriosis would include, chronic pelvic pain, pain in the lower back, dysmenorrhea, irregalur or heavy breathing, and fatigue. 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 severe cases, endometriosis can lead to infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Similar diagnostic tests like CAT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound do not usually bear conclusive results. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health history. To diagnose the condition, the doctor may conduct a laparoscopic procedure or a laparotomy.
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Endometriosis Cure?
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. 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 drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. Hormone therapy is performed particularly on patients who have come from surgery.
Surgery
Doctors usually determine the diagnosis following conservative surgeries like a laparotomy or laparoscopy and often pass through these procedures to extract abnormal growths. If successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
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. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like herbs for fertility. There is a significant volume of literature supporting these natural treatments, each promoting wellness while at the same time stimulate the body’s innate healing and defense mechanisms.
