What To Do If You Have Endometriosis?

Are you aware that excruciating amounts of pain during your periods mean something is definitely wrong with your menstrual cycle? If you aren’t familiar with the concept, you may have a condition known as endometriosis. If you are aware of this, you also have to be well versed about what you can do to deal with this issue. After all, endometriosis has the potential to interfere with your everyday functioning. No, we don’t mean to alarm you. We are just here to let you know about a few essentials and how to deal with the condition that is enough to give you nightmares.

The Various Kinds of Endometriosis That Exist

Endometriosis can be a real spoilsport mainly because this condition has many types. The types are classified based on the manner in which it impacts the pelvic area or abdomen. Overall, there are four kinds.

Superficial peritoneal endometriosis: Endometriosis isn’t that critical in this case. It occurs when the endometrial tissue fastens itself to the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the pelvis, abdomen and covers a majority of the organs in these cavities).

Abdominal wall endometriosis: In this case, endometrial tissue grows on the abdominal wall. Say for instance, the cells attach themselves to a surgical incision such as a C-section.

Endometriomas: Fluid filled, dark cysts known as endometriomas are found in your ovaries and even in various parts of your abdomen and pelvis. These ‘chocolate cysts’ differ in size. 

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE): A rarely occurring kind of endometriosis, with this type, the endometrial tissue occupies organs that are outside or within your pelvic cavity. It can so invade your rectum, ovaries, bowels as well as bladder. 

Can I get pregnant if I have endometriosis?

While there is a possibility that endometriosis can impact the chances of you getting pregnant, a mild case of the condition does not make you infertile. Having said that, it is found that a small majority who experience hassles in conceiving have endometriosis. In fact, many women are diagnosed with endometriosis because they experience trouble getting pregnant. However, even as it becomes tedious for women to get pregnant, 7 in 10 women with mild to moderate endometriosis do conceive even without treatment.

How can you check for the condition?

You can check for physical signs of the condition through:

Ultrasound: A transducer is inserted inside your vagina or kept against your abdomen which gives your doctor an idea about your reproductive organs. 

Pelvic exam: The doctor examines your pelvis for any signs of irregularities such as scars behind your uterus or cysts on your reproductive organs. 

Laparoscopy: Your doctor makes a minor cut near your navel and using a laparoscope and examines the interior of your abdomen. 

MRI: Radio waves and a magnetic field work to create in-depth images of the size and location of your endometrial implants. 

Is there a cure?

Treatment usually works on a trial and error basis as there is no sure-shot, specific cure for the condition. Pain medication helps to relieve symptoms and your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. Alternatively, exercising frequently, having warm baths and putting a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen works to alleviate pain. Hormonal therapy also works wonders to minimize the estrogen level in your body. If your condition is extreme, surgery may be needed to remove the affected tissue. Please consult with your doctor before proceeding.