Endometriosis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Endometriosis occurs during the reproductive phase in women. It is common in women with the issue of infertility.

Endometriosis is a condition of displaced endometrial tissues. The tissue which lines 
the inside of the uterus starts growing outside the uterus in this condition. This 
tissue continues to thicken and break down with the menstruation resulting it to get 
trapped because of its displacement. Endometriosis occurs during the reproductive phase 
in the woman and is common in women with the issue of infertility. This condition is the 
leading cause of pelvic pain in women.

The main symptom of this condition is pelvic pain. This pain is mostly linked to the 
menstrual period. The symptoms of endometriosis are:

1. Excessive bleeding: One may experience heavy bleeding during menses or occasional 
heavy bleeding between the periods.

2. Painful menstruation: Dysmenorrhea or painful periods accompanied by cramping and 
pelvic pain may be present. These pains may begin before the periods.

3. Pain while urinating: You may feel pain while passing urine or during bowel 
movements.

4. Painful lovemaking: If one has endometriosis, one may experience pain during sexual 
lovemaking.

5. Infertility: Women seeking treatments for infertility are normally diagnosed with the 
condition of endometriosis.

Apart from these symptoms, one may experience fatigue, bloating, constipation or 
diarrhea and nausea during the periods. Endometriosis symptoms can be sometimes confused 
with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or Ovarian cysts. 

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown though many different theories have 
been put forward. It could be a combination of factors which lead to this condition such 
as:

1. Retrograde menstruation: This means that the menstrual tissue flows backwards through 
the fallopian tubes and gets deposited on the pelvic organs and grows there. But it is 
seen that many women have this retrograde flow but do not have endometriosis. So, there 
may be a hormonal dysfunction or immune system problem that triggers this. 

2. Metaplasia: The meaning of this term is to change form one normal type of tissue to 
another normal type of tissue. Some think that the endometrial tissue can replace the 
other types of tissue outside of the uterus. 

3. Genetic: This could be a genetic condition which means that if your close relatives 
have this condition, you are likely to suffer from it too. 

4. Immune System Dysfunction: Some women with this condition are seen to have immune 
system dysfunctions.

5. Environmental Factors: certain environmental factors can influence the development of 
endometriosis by having an impact on the hormones and immune system.

Since the cause of this condition is still uncertain, there is no specific treatment for 
it. Therefore the treatment is done depending on the woman’s symptoms and age. Some 
treatments may work for one some may work in combinations. Treatment for endometriosis 
is the following:

1. Hormonal Therapies: Hormonal therapies to temper oestrogen production may help to 
provide relief from the symptoms. This therapy might include birth control pills, IUD, 
aromatase inhibitors or progestogens. 

2. Painkillers: Since pain is the most common symptom in this condition, painkillers 
like analgesics, mild narcotics and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may help.

3. Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is done to diagnose this condition and can be used to 
treat it by removing the endometric lesions, cysts and adhesions. 

4. Diet: A healthy and nutritional diet is essential for general health, to boost energy 
and stamina. All this is required by the woman to undergo and tolerate medical 
treatments.

5. Exercises: Exercises like kegels help to strengthen the pelvic muscles and reduce 
pain. Yoga and meditation can help in relaxation and strengthening the body.

6. Herbal Treatment: Many herbs can provide some relief from the symptoms of this 
condition.

Endometriosis affects the woman physically and emotionally as well. Therefore it is 
beneficial to go for counseling or talking to someone and sharing your feelings.

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