Unfortunately, many individuals who expertise endometriosis signs might not talk about them with their well being care suppliers for a very long time. So, I’d prefer to be sure you perceive what endometriosis is, its signs, and its remedies.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis growths might swell and bleed, identical to your uterine lining does each month throughout your menstrual interval. That could be painful, as a result of irritation and bleeding are taking place in part of your physique the place they shouldn’t be.
Endometriosis Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of endometriosis aren’t totally understood. But listed here are some which have been recognized:
- Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood flows up from the uterus, by way of the fallopian tubes, and into the pelvic cavity as a substitute of flowing out of the physique. Inside the pelvic cavity, the endometrial cells develop, thicken, and bleed with each menstrual cycle. Retrograde menstruation could be attributable to elevated estrogen manufacturing; fibroids or polyps; abnormalities or obstructions within the uterus, cervix, or vagina; or irregular uterine contractions.
- Surgical scarring: Endometrial cells connect themselves to a surgical incision website after an operation (similar to a hysterectomy or C-section).
- Cell transformation: Hormones (particularly estrogen) or immune elements rework the cells exterior the uterus into endometrial cells.
These threat elements might make somebody extra prone to get endometriosis:
- A household historical past of endometriosis
- Getting menstrual durations each 27 days or much less; beginning a primary interval earlier than age twelve; or having durations that final seven or extra days each month
- Immune problems, which might cease the physique from recognizing and attacking endometrial cells the place they don’t belong
- Abdominal surgical procedure, like a hysterectomy or C-section
- Age – endometriosis occurs most steadily to individuals of their 20s – 40s
If you’ve gotten a number of of those endometriosis threat elements, you could need to watch rigorously for its signs.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis impacts individuals alternative ways. Its signs can embody:
- Pain, the obvious symptom, similar to very painful menstrual cramps, ache within the decrease again and pelvis, ache throughout and after intercourse, and intestinal ache
- Bleeding or recognizing between menstrual durations; this will also be attributable to one thing aside from endometriosis, so if it occurs usually, it’s best to see your physician
- Infertility, being unable to get pregnant
- Stomach (digestive) issues similar to diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, particularly throughout menstrual durations
- Painful bowel actions or ache when urinating throughout menstrual durations, typically with blood in your stool or urine
The continual, debilitating pelvic ache related to endometriosis can have an effect on each facet of an individual’s life, together with temper, sleep, relationships, work, and college attendance.
That’s why consciousness is so vital. The sooner endometriosis could be recognized, the earlier it may be managed to attenuate its impression in your life.
Delays in Diagnosis
Endometriosis usually goes undiagnosed for a few years. Many individuals don’t report their signs to well being professionals as a result of they:
- Believe they’re simply having extreme menstrual cramps
- Are embarrassed to speak about something associated to menstruation
- Are involved that their signs shall be dismissed and downplayed
Also, marginalized populations are inclined to obtain inferior medical care with regards to endometriosis. Research exhibits that:
If you’re experiencing endometriosis signs, please speak to your well being care supplier. Insist on having your signs taken significantly and investigated.
How Endometriosis is Diagnosed
Here’s what docs do to verify a prognosis of endometriosis:
- Perform a pelvic examination — feeling for big cysts or scars behind your uterus
- Order ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research
- Try hormonal remedies (the data under); if these scale back your ache, you in all probability have endometriosis
- Do a laparoscopic examination — a minimally invasive surgical procedure which makes use of a scope to search for endometrial tissue inside your pelvic space
How Endometriosis is Treated
While there’s no treatment for endometriosis, remedies can be found to ease its signs and the issues it creates. These embody:
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, which relieve each ache and the irritation that causes it
- Hormone remedies like estrogen/progesterone or progesterone-only drugs, patches, or IUDs
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists, which decrease estrogen ranges and forestall menstruation
- Surgery, when signs are very extreme
- Exercise similar to swimming and yoga, and bodily remedy
Take Action Against Endometriosis
Too many individuals ignore endometriosis signs for too lengthy and delay searching for care. If you might be experiencing these signs, please speak to your physician.
Independence Blue Cross members can speak to one in all our Registered Nurse Health Coaches 24/7 by calling 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583) (TTY/TDD: 711). When prompted for a name purpose, say “Health Coach.”