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 the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the ovulation to menstruation phase, the uterual tissue becomes constantly provoked. It can get torn, break down and bleed. 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.
Why Does Endometriosis Happen?
At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. 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. Women can also expect to feel some pain while ovulating or having sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and GI tract conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Endometriosis can result to infertility, in severe cases.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic exams like MRIs, ultrasound, or CAT scans are usually inconclusive. A healthcare practitioner needs to look into the signs and symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.
Endometriosis still has no cure, however, doctors recommend that certain modes of treatment be applied to help manage it.
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 goal is to stop the lesions from being aggravated further and to protect against the onset of various other illnesses. 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 traditional surgery does not prove to be effective, doctors can opt to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
A lot of patients prefer alternative or natural treatments against surgical procedures and medications. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like herbs for fertility. 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.