Pregnancy and Endometriosis – Incurable But Pregnancy Possible
Endometriosis and Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a female health condition that occurs when the uterine tissues either grow or attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus. During a woman’s period, the uterine lining will normally slough off; however the part that grows outside the uterus will remain. Throughout the entire process of ovulation and menstruation, one uterual tissue, which grows externally, becomes constantly provoked. It can get torn, break down and bleed. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.
The Endometriosis Research Center says that there are more than 7 million recorded cases of endometriosis among women in the United States. It is one of the primary causes of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and gynecologic surgeries.
Why Does Endometriosis Happen?
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.
Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. 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 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 no cure yet, but physicians recommend several treatment methods to help a patient manage her symptoms.
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 it doesn’t react well, one might need to take prescription medications.
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 drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. 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 successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
If a conservative surgical procedure is ineffective, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy or some other invasive surgical method.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
A lot of patients opt to undergo natural types of treatment over surgery and medications. Some of the common and more popular natural treatments are acupuncture, Chinese medicaine, and nutrition-based programs like fertility herbs. 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.
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