Endometriosis and Pregnancy - No Cure But Pregnancy is Still Possible
Endometriosis & 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. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It could tear, break and bleed. This is likely to cause scar tissue formation and some discomfort.
There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It is one of the primary causes of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and gynecologic surgeries.
What Causes Endometriosis?
At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.
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. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.
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 doctor needs to study symptoms of the patient and her medical history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.
Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.
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 key here is to stop the further provocation of the lesions and to protect oneself against the onset of other related problems. These types of medications include GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is performed particularly on patients who have come from surgery.
Surgery
Conservative surgical procedures such as the laparotomy and laparoscopy are conducted by doctors to determine the diagnosis and to remove abnormal growths. If successful, this would help get rid of the pain and boost the woman’s chances of pregnancy.
If traditional surgical procedures prove ineffective, doctors have the option 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. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like fertility herbs. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence in support of these natural therapies which aim to “do no harm” while stimulating the body’s inherent defense and recovery mechanisms to heal itself.
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Tags: endometriosis and pregnancy, endometriosis cure, herbs for fertility
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