Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue lining the womb, grows outside the urethral lining. This can cause severe pelvic pain and a host of other complications, if it is not treated on time. 

Here is everything you need to know about this ailment.


- symptoms: owing to the location of this tissue and its painful protrusion through the lining or walls of the womb, one of the earliest and most painful symptoms experienced may include severe cramps and pain during the menstrual cycle. Also, the patient will experience pain in the lower abdomen region about a week before the onset of the cycle. Heavy bleeding as well as infertility may be experienced in such cases too. Sexual intercourse will also give rise to pain in the region, while discomfort will be felt during the bowel movements. Pain in the lower back will also be experienced throughout the menstruation period. 


- stages: there are several stages of this disease and its progression, each of which will require a different form of treatment. These four stages usually depend on the location, size, depth and number of the endometrial implants within the body of the patient.


- minimal stages: in this stage, usually there will be small wounds and lesions as well as shallow implants on the ovaries. Inflammation in the pelvic cavity can also be felt in this stage.


- mild stage: in this stage, there will also be light lesions and shallow implants which will spread over the ovaries as well as the pelvic lining.


- moderate stage: in this stage, the implants will dig deeper into the ovaries and the pelvic lining, which will result in the growth of even more lesions.


- severe stage: as the name suggests, in this stage the patient will experience deep implants along with lesions in the bowels and the fallopian tubes.


- treatment: there are varied forms of this treatment including pain relief medication for minimal to mild stage patients. Also, hormonal therapy with the help of supplements may be prescribed. Hormonal contraceptives may also be used. In such cases, medication like danazol, medroxyprogesterone, 

Gonadotripin releasing hormone agonists, and other such elements may be prescribed. Conservative surgery and radical surgery may follow, depending on the severity of the condition. Laparoscopy is the preferred form of treatment in such cases. A hysterectomy can be conducted as a final resort where the surgeon will remove the cervix as well as the uterus of the patient. This will make pregnancy impossible for the patient, thereafter. To stem estrogen production, the ovaries will also be removed. 


One must discuss all risks and complications before going in for a certain form of treatment for this ailment.

Symptoms, Stages and Treatment of Endometriosis

There can be a number of reasons that lead to infertility in women. Endometriosis is one of them. It is a benign condition where the endometrium, which includes the tissues that form the lining inside the uterus, grows outside the uterus. Apart from infertility, it may also cause pelvic pain in women.

There are no such symptoms of endometriosis apart from pelvic pain and it cannot be detected without surgery. Thus, it is very difficult to diagnose this disease and state how common it is. However, research says that the prevalence of this disease in women in their reproductive age is between 3 to 10 per cent.
It is found that endometriosis sometimes leads to infertility. Here is how:

Abdominal Adhesions and Infertility
Normally, the endometriosis implants develop in the abdomen. Then the body surrounds them with connective tissues. The reason for doing so is isolating the implants, so that they cannot harm your body.
Now, sometimes these adhesions can create a blockage in the opening of the fallopian tube or may also pinch off the fallopian tube. This will result in obstruction in the fertilisation of egg and the sperm and thus fertilization will not take place; so there are no chances of conceiving. These obstructions when diagnosed can be treated with surgery.

Secretions from implants
Endometrium plays a vital role in conception where the tissues secrete a wide variety of hormones and nutrients. Now, the endometrial implant also functions in the same way and secretes those hormones. The difference is that it does not deposit them in the lumen of the womb, and it is released in the abdominal cavity. In these substances, there may be some hormones that are responsible for infertility.

Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are other hormones that are secreted by the endometrium normally. It helps in a lot of body processes that include various stages of menstrual cycle and pregnancy. This hormone is required for a lot of functions such as ovulation, sperm mobility, and regression of corpus luteum, immune interaction, menstrual cramps and contraction of the uterus at birth.

Just like the endometrium, the implants also secrete these hormones. And, the problem that is caused by the implant secreted prostaglandin hormone is that they are released in the abdomen and not in the womb. Moreover, they are not secreted at the right time, thus sending a wrong message to the brain.

A woman with a few days of pregnancy may face a miscarriage because the ovary will get a signal to start the menstrual cycle, and the womb lining where the egg is implanted will be expelled.

How Endometriosis Leads to Infertility and Miscarriages?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial cells lining the inside wall of the uterus begin to grow outside the uterus. In a majority of the cases, the growth is on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, or the tissues around the uterus. In rare cases, it occurs in other body parts. Normally, women in the age group of 30 to 40 years are prone to developing this condition and genetics is believed to be the reason behind this disorder. It is a serious medical condition if it causes discomfort to the woman.

Signs and Symptoms:  The signs and symptoms of endometriosis include chronic pelvic pain, pain during menstruation, urination, and intercourse, longer periods, bleeding between menstrual cycle, bloody urine or stool, and urinary and bowel problems.

Treatment methods:  In many cases, endometriosis goes undiagnosed and it can only be diagnosed through biopsy. If the biopsy confirms endometriosis, then it can be treated in the following ways:

Hormonal treatment: Hormonal treatment includes birth control pills, placement of the intrauterine device, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and Danazol or Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera).
Pain medication: Pain killers with anti-inflammatory properties are prescribed to those who suffer from painful menstruation.
Surgery: This is the last treatment option and only advised to those who did not find relief from medicines and hormonal treatment. Surgeons try to remove the areas affected by endometriosis but in severe cases, the ovaries might need to be removed completely.
Complications: It is important to treat endometriosis on time as delay can lead to complications. The complications arising out of endometriosis include the following:

Infertility: The scarring and distortions caused in the reproductive organs due to endometriosis and the endometriotic cysts can make a woman infertile.
Scarring: The bleeding and the inflammation caused by endometriosis leads to scarring of the tissues of ovaries.
Ovarian cysts: Sometimes, the abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus spreads to the ovaries and starts growing over there, leading to cysts.
Prevention: As it been mentioned before, in many cases, endometriosis goes undiagnosed but it can be prevented or its symptoms managed effectively if one is cautious. One should do the following:

Exercise regularly: Exercise increases immunity and also reduces the level of estrogens, which slows down the progression of endometriosis. It also provides relief from pain.
Eat nutritious diet: A diet rich in vitamin and minerals ensures good health of the reproductive organs and a fine immune system. This helps to fight the symptom of endometriosis and keeps the disorder in check.
Endometriosis is known to affect a large number of women and since the early symptoms are mild or confusing, most of the time they go undetected. Nevertheless, a woman can avoid it and the complications arising out of it by being mindful of the symptoms. They should also undergo a regular pelvic exam and follow the instructions of their gynecologist. This would ensure timely detection of the disorder and if this is ensured, the management also becomes easy.

Suffering From Endometriosis - What Are Its Treatment Options?

Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus, the endometrium grows outside (endometrial implant). It commonly involves ovaries, bowel or tissues lining your pelvis. The main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility. While chronic pain exists throughout, it tends to aggravate during menstruation and / or sex. Though the cause is not entirely clear, women with a family history of the condition need to be extra cautious. Endometriosis is normally detected by its symptoms combined with a medical imaging. Though the growth is not generally cancerous, a biopsy is recommended to eliminate doubts. 

The condition of endometriosis is attached with social and psychological effects as it affects a woman's child bearing ability. Most minds race anxiously as to what the surgeon might find and will your body heal after the procedure. Here are some tips to prepare for your endometriosis laparoscopy

 Before the surgery: read up as much as possible about your condition and note down questions you want to ask your doctor. Get details about the entire procedure and how the doctor is treating your specific case. Having knowledge will help you stay calm and focused. Next, gear your home for the process. Stock your fridge with quick heat home made meals. It's best for you and the family to have healthy food than the store bought preservative laden food. Clean your home, change your sheets and purchase some loose fit clothing for later use. Last but not the least, stock up on some reading material that will come handy during your rest period. 
 On day of surgery: do not eat or drink anything from 12 midnight until the time of your surgery. You may also need the unpleasant enema procedure during your prep. Remove your nail polish and leave your jewellery, watch and valuables at home. Shower and get to the hospital early to get on with the forms you'll need to fill. The procedure requires anesthesia so do discuss your allergies or any concerns you may have with this aspect of the procedure. Once you are set with you iv and anesthesia, the doctor takes over to do what they do best cure you.
 The procedure: a small incision is made near the belly button and the abdomen is filled with co2 gas which lifts it away from other organs. During the laparoscopy, the doctor examines the pelvic organs, looking for obvious and atypical endometriosis lesions as well as endometriomas (endometriosis'filled cysts, adhesions, and scarring. He may then remove the lesions to send to a lab for biopsy
 After surgery: you'll most likely wake up groggy in the recovery room after your surgery. You may feel some pain as you come around but if it's a day procedure, you'll be able to leave as soon as you feel ready. 

Although pregnancy may temporarily suppress the symptoms of endometriosis, it does not eradicate the disease. The symptoms will almost always return after the baby is born. If you are suffering from this painful condition and want to seek help, you can consult here.

How To Prepare For Your Endometriosis Laparoscopy

Endometriosis is a painful disorder wherein, a tissue that normally belongs to the inside of a woman s uterus, starts to grow out of the uterus. It common involves a woman s ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue, which lines the pelvis. In case of endometriosis, the displaced endometrial tissue continues to act like normal, becomes thick, breaks down and leads to bleeding with each menstrual cycle. Endometriosis can lead to pain, which might be severe especially during a woman s period. 

Causes of Endometriosis:

Embryonic Cells Getting Transformed: Hormones like estrogen might transform the cells, which are in the early stage of development, into implantation of endometrial cells at the time of puberty. 
Surgical Scar Implantation: After undergoing a surgery like a hysterectomy or C-section, the endometrial cells might get attached to the incisions done for conducting the surgery. 
Transport of Endometrial Cells: The tissue fluid system or the blood vessels might transport the endometrial cells to different parts of the body. 
Let us take a look at some of the symptoms of endometriosis: 

Periods which become painful 
Pain suffered during or after the intercourse. 
Feeling of pain during bowel movements 
Excess bleeding 
Infertility 
Possible location of endometriosis: 

Ovaries(the most common site) 
Fallopian tubes 
Back of the uterus 
Front of the uterus 
Uterine ligaments such as the broad or round ligament of the uterus 
Pelvic walls 
Intestines 
Urinary bladder and ureters 
Investigations Required in Endometriosis 
The investigations required in endometriosis are as follows: 

Pelvic Exam   In this exam, a doctor manually tends to feel certain areas in pelvis for any kind of abnormality like cysts or the reproductive organs or scars behind the uterus. 
Ultrasound   High-frequency sound waves are used to create certain images inside the body, through capturing them via a device known as transducer and getting it pressed against a woman s abdomen.
MRI   MRI by way of magnetic field and radio waves help to get detailed images of the tissues and organs in the body. 
Laparoscopy Endometriosis through the eyes of ayurveda: The signs and symptoms mentioned in endometriosis are described in ayurveda under the heading of vataja yonivyapadh and udavartha. 
Apana Vata is considered as the main functioning agent to maintain normal menstruation. 
This is vitiated due to sedentary life style, lack of exercise, sleep, irregular sleep, stressful professional atmosphere, mental tensions and unhealthy food habits. 
The deranged apana vata causes retrograde menstruation leading to endometriosis. Along with this, the other two doshas-pitta and kapha are vitiated leading to hormonal imbalance and abnormal growth of endometrium respectively. Hence, the first and foremost step is to restore the physiology of these doshas. 
What are shodhanas? 
Shodhanas are detoxifying procedures like snehana, svedana, vamana, virechana and basti. Benefits of shodhana in female reproductive system: 

Biological systems return to normalcy. 
Revitalizes body tissues 
Potentiates pharmacological actions of internal medicines 
Removes toxins 
Improves physiological functions and gut absorption. 
Also, improper metabolism is corrected 

Mental faculties, strength and vitality are enhanced 
Fine tunes the endocrine system (hormonal balance correcting hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis). 
Promotive-promotes fertility, preventive-prevents recurrence and curative- cures from the root and rehabilitative too. 
Ayurvedic Treatment for Endometriosis 
Endometriosis s treatment in Ayurveda requires an anti-Pitta diet and regimen, where there would be complete avoidance of all spices, except coriander, turmeric and saffron. One must also refrain from having 

Salt 
Alcohol 
Refined sugar 
Good herbs might get included in the form of: 

Shatavari 
Kumari Saar 
Kanchanar 
Ashoka 
Lodhra 
Pradranta Churna 
As per Ayurveda, Endometriosis happens as a result of more Kapha due to increased growth of the uterine membrane. Anti-kapha, anti-tumor and general detoxification can be helpful along with some typical herbs like Guggul, Myrrh, Turmeric and Dandelion. 

How can Diet and Yoga help to improve Endometriosis? 
Modifications in diet by switching to the intake of healthy foods and Yoga can help to a great extent in improving Endometeriosis. Some of the diet tips include: 

Avoiding foods like cakes, donuts and fries that contain trans fats. 
Cut down on consumption of red meat. 
Have lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains 
Put a check on consumption of caffeine and alcohol 
Reduce the intake of processed foods. 
Impact of Yoga 
Yoga s positive impact in treating endometriosis includes: 

Yoga, with its structured approach towards the body help reduce the symptoms of emdometriosis, while improving the general functioning of the body & oxygenation to the organs. 
Women, who have tried out Yoga in order to decrease pain, also observed that there has been an improvement in their condition through healing. 
Control in the breathing exercises decrease anxiety and a general sense of well-being is promoted. 
Yoga helps to ease out menstrual pain, improves fertility and helps in bringing about hormonal balance.

Endometriosis - A Possible Therapy In Ayruveda!

One of the silent diseases in the female population, endometriosis can be symptomless for years and sometimes even decades, but can sometimes manifest itself quickly. The uterus is lined on the inner side by a tissue known as endometrium. When this tissue is found in other parts (fallopian tubes, abdomen, near the ovaries, etc., it is known as endometriosis.

Causes: The exact cause for endometriosis is not clear. There is a possibility that during the regular period, there could be spilling of the tissue back into the fallopian tube, from where it reaches the ovaries or other organs and gets implanted.

There are certain predisposing factors for a woman to develop this condition, including genetic correlation and non-menopausal women. The female hormone estrogen is essential for the development of endometriosis. There are also immunological reasons attributed to the development. It can range from minimal to mild to moderate to severe.

Symptoms: From being completely benign to causing severe pain, endometriosis can present itself in varying ways. The implanted tissue can be minimal like a small lump to large clumps. The symptoms are not dependent on the size of the implanted tissue, however, 

1. Painful menstruation: One of the most common causes of non-menstrual cramps, the pain is different from usual menstrual pain, starts a few days before the period and can last up to after the period.

2. Pelvic pain: One of the most common causes of pelvic pain, this can happen wherever the implanted tissue is. In severe cases, this tissue can also bind different organs, forming what are called adhesions. The bladder or the bowels may adhere to the uterus. These are more painful than individual lumps of tissue outside the uterus.

3. Intermenstrual bleeding: There could be spotting to severe bleeding between the regular cycles.

4. Painful sex: There is a deep pain within the pelvis and it can lead to losing interest in sex.

5. Infertility: The most severe symptom and complication is not being able to become pregnant.

Diagnosis: A detailed patient history, discussion on symptoms followed by ultrasound and laparoscopy can help in diagnosing endometriosis.

Treatment: If there is no symptom and fertility is not an issue, then it is possible that no treatment is required. However, depending on symptoms and complications, the following are done.
- If pain is the only main problem, painkillers are administered
- Surgical treatment may be required if there is severe bleeding and adhesions complicating the situation. 

This will also relieve other symptoms
1. Hormone therapy is also an option for treating endometriosis.
2. If you are having pelvic pain and irregular bleeding, bring it up with your doctor. Even if it is not endometriosis, a thorough check up will put your mind at rest.

Endometriosis and Complications Associated With It

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