Pregnancy and Endometriosis – Incurable But Pregnancy Possible
Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues normally lining a woman’s uterus grow or attach to organs located outside. During a woman’s period, the uterine lining will normally slough off; however the part that grows outside the uterus will remain. During the process of ovulation to menstuation, the uterual tissue that grows externally is continuously provoked. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces 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.
What Leads To Endometriosis?
To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Latest studies conducted on the condition suggest that it may be genetically-influenced.
Signs
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. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause 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 needs to study symptoms of the patient and her medical history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.
Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.
Treatment Methods
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 no effect is evident, prescription medications could be the next step.
Drug Therapy
Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The goal is to stop the lesions from being aggravated further and to protect against the onset of various other illnesses. These types of drugs include oral contraceptives, progesterone medications, and GnRH agonists. Hormone therapy is normally recommended for those 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 it succeeds, it will help eliminate pain and increase the chances of pregnancy.
If traditional surgery does not prove to be effective, doctors can opt to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like 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.
