Endometriosis and Pregnancy - No Cure But Pregnancy is Still Possible
Endometriosis and Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a medical condition that happens when the tissues that usually line the uterus multiply or attach themselves to the organs found outside. During menstruation, the uterual lining is shed as per normal, but the portion growing outside the uterus remains. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It could tear, break 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.
What Leads To Endometriosis?
Presently, the cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but experts have suggested a few possible reasons. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.
Symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms would often include chronic pain in one’s pelvic area, irregular or labored breathing, pain in the lower back, pain associated with dysmenorrhea, and fatigue. Women can also expect to feel some discomfort while passing stools, some gastro intestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea, and even pain while ovulation or having sexual intercourse. 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 doctor will need to look into the patient’s symptoms, as well as her medical history. To diagnose the condition, the doctor may conduct a laparoscopic procedure or a laparotomy.
There remains no cure to endometriosis, but physicians suggest some modes of therapy that would help the patient 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. It this does not work, one may need to take prescription drugs.
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 medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists 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 successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
If traditional surgery does not prove to be effective, doctors can opt to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
Quite a number of patients choose to go the alternative route of treatments instead of undergoing surgeries and taking medications. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as fertility herbs. 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.
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