What Does Endometriosis Feel Like?


Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium.
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows on your ovaries, bowel, and tissues lining your pelvis. It’s unusual for endometrial tissue to spread beyond your pelvic region, but it’s not impossible. Endometrial tissue growing outside of your uterus is known as an endometrial implant.
The hormonal changes of your menstrual cycle affect the misplaced endometrial tissue, causing the area to become inflamed and painful. This means the tissue will grow, thicken, and break down. Over time, the tissue that has broken down has nowhere to go and becomes trapped in your pelvis.
This tissue trapped in your pelvis can cause:
  • irritation
  • scar formation
  • adhesions, in which tissue binds your pelvic organs together
  • severe pain during your periods
  • fertility problems
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, affecting up to 10 percent of women.

                  Symptoms



The symptoms of endometriosis vary. Some women experience mild symptoms, but others can have moderate to severe symptoms. The severity of your pain doesn’t indicate the degree or stage of the condition. You may have a mild form of the disease yet experience agonizing pain. It’s also possible to have a severe form and have very little discomfort.
Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. You may also have the following symptoms:
  • painful periods
  • pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation
  • cramps one or two weeks around menstruation
  • heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
  • infertility
  • pain following sexual intercourse
  • discomfort with bowel movements
  • lower back pain that may occur at any time during your menstrual cycle
You may also have no symptoms. It’s important that you get regular gynecological exams, which will allow your gynecologist to monitor any changes. This is particularly important if you have two or more symptoms.

                          Causes


The exact cause of endometriosis is not currently fully understood.
Possible explanations include:
Problems with menstrual flow: Menstrual blood enters the fallopian tubes and the pelvis instead of leaving the body in the usual way.
Embryonic cell growth: At times, embryonic cells lining the abdomen and pelvis develop into endometrial tissue within those cavities.
Fetal development: Data show that endometriosis can be present in a developing fetus, but pubertal estrogen levels are thought to trigger the symptoms.
Surgical scar: Endometrial cells can move during a procedure such as a hysterectomy or c-section.
Endometrial cell transport: The lymphatic system transports endometrial cells to various parts of the body.
Genetics: There may be an inherited component. A woman with a close family member who has endometriosis is more likely to develop endometriosis herself.
Hormones: Endometriosis is stimulated by the hormone estrogen.
Immune system: Problems with the immune system can prevent the destruction of extrauterine endometrial tissue.

                      Risk factors

Anyone can develop endometriosis, but some risk factors increase the risk.
These include:
·         Age: It is most common in women aged 30 to 40 years
·       Nulliparity: Never giving birth
·       Genetics: One or more relatives having the condition
·  Medical history: Having a pelvic infection, uterine abnormalities, or a condition that prevents expulsion of menstrual blood.
·     Menstrual history: Menses lasting more than 7 days or menstrual cycles of less than 27 days.
·    Caffeine, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise: These can raise levels of estrogen.
Some health conditions have been linked to endometriosis. These include allergies, asthma, and some chemical sensitivities, some autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ovarian and breast cancer.
                               Pain from Endometriosis
Pelvic or belly pain might start before your period and last for several days. It can feel sharp and stabbing, and it usually won’t go away with medication.

Some women say it feels like their insides are being pulled down, and they have a gnawing or throbbing feeling that can be severe.
 Backache. Your uterus and ovaries are near your back, and belly pain that makes you hunch over can hurt your back, too.
 Leg pain. Endometriosis can affect nerves that connect to your groin, hips, and legs. This can make it hard to walk, and you may have to rest often or even limp.
Painful sex. Many women with endometriosis feel pain while having sex or for up to 2 days later. For some, it feels stabbing or sharp. Others describe it as an ache in the pelvic area.
Painful  bowel movements . Depending on the areas affected by endometriosis, it might hurt to go to the bathroom. If it’s severe, it might also cause bleeding and constipation.



                                Complications

Complications include:
·         infertility, which can affect 50 percent of those with the condition.
·  increased risk of developing ovarian cancer or endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma
·         ovarian cysts
·         inflammation
·         scar tissue and adhesion development
·         intestinal and bladder complications
It is important to see a health care provider about symptoms, to avoid future complications.

 Dr. Suchi Gupta's Gynae Clinic
( Gynaecologist in Gaur City, Greater Noida West, Noida Extension)
Shop No 130, FF, Gaur City Plaza Market, West, Gaur City 1 Road, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

 http://www.drsuchiguptagynaeclinic.com/



Location: Greater Noida W Rd, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201009, India

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