Endometriosis and Pregnancy – No Cure But Pregnancy is Still Possible
Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues normally lining a woman’s uterus grow or attach to organs located outside. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the ovulation to menstruation phase, the uterual tissue becomes constantly provoked. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces 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 key cause of gynecologic surgeries, chronic pelvin discomfort, and infertility.
Why Does Endometriosis Happen?
At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Females may also feel pain during ovulation and while having sex, GI problems like diarrhea, constipation or bloating, and even discomfort while passing stools. Endometriosis can result to infertility, in severe cases.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Similar diagnostic tests like CAT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound do not usually bear conclusive results. A healthcare practitioner needs to look into the signs and symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.
There remains no cure to endometriosis, but physicians suggest some modes of therapy that would help the patient manage it.
How It’s Treated
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. If that doesn’t work, prescription drugs may be recommended.
Hormonal Drug Therapy
Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The key here is to stop the further provocation of the lesions and to protect oneself against the onset of other related problems. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone replacament therapy is the usual recommendation for patients 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 surgical procedures prove ineffective, doctors have the option to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Some of the common and more popular natural treatments are acupuncture, Chinese medicaine, and nutrition-based programs like natural herbs for fertility. There is a large amount of literature that supports the use of natural treatments as a wellness tool that can also stimulate the body’s innate defense system and healing action.
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