Endometriosis, pronounced as (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a disease in which the endometrium tissue (that lines the inside of the uterus or womb) is present outside of the uterus. The condition most commonly occurs in the lower abdomen or pelvis and can happen to approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women. This painful disorder most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. There are rare chances that endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs.
Under this disease, endometriosis or say the endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would get thickened followed by breaking down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But as this tissue has no way to exit your body, it gets trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may get formed. Surrounding tissue can start getting irritated and eventually develop scar tissue and adhesions, which is an abnormal band of fibrous tissue that causes pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.
Endometriosis can cause severe pain and cramps especially during menstrual periods. If the condition is not treated on time, it may also lead to Fertility problems. There are several factors which may put someone at a greater risk of developing endometriosis, such as:
● Not giving birth or having reproductive tract abnormalities
● Getting periods at an early age or going through menopause at an older age
● Shorter menstrual cycles which could be less than 27 days
● Extremely heavy menstrual periods which may last longer than seven days
● Low body mass index
● Family history of having endometriosis
● Having any medical condition that hinders the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body
Some of the common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
● Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. One can also have lower back and abdominal pain during this phase.
● Pain during intercourse: Endometriosis can lead to experiencing of pain during or after sex.
● Pain during excreta: One is most likely to experience pain symptom during a menstrual period while passing of bowel movements or urination.
● Excessive bleeding: One may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
● Infertility: Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
● Other generic signs and symptoms: Once may experience other generic symptoms especially during menstrual periods such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea or fatigue.
Endometriosis when not treated on time can become hazardous and hence it is advisable to check with your doctor if you come across such symptoms and get the best treatment on time.
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