Endometriosis and Pregnancy - No Cure But Pregnancy is Still Possible
Endometriosis and 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 the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It could tear, break and bleed. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.
More than seven million females in the United States have endometriosis, says the Endometriosis Research Center. It is one of the primary causes of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and gynecologic surgeries.
Why Does Endometriosis Occur?
To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.
Symptoms
Usual signs and symptoms of endometriosis include irregular or labored breathing, pain during menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, lower back pain and fatigue. Women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse and ovulation, painful bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea and constipation. In worse cases, endometriosis may result in infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic exams like MRIs, ultrasound, or CAT scans are usually inconclusive. A doctor will need to look into the patient’s symptoms, as well as her medical history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.
There remains no cure to endometriosis, but physicians suggest some modes of therapy that would help the patient manage it.
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. 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 types of medications include GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, 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 conservative surgery is not effective, doctors may recommend hysterectomy and/or other, more invasive, surgical methods.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
A lot of patients prefer alternative or natural treatments against surgical procedures and medications. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like herbs for fertility. 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.
Tags: endometriosis and pregnancy, endometriosis cure, herbs for fertility