Endometriosis by definition a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and causing pelvic pain, especially associated with menstruation. Quite frankly a lot of medical stuff can be quite dry and boring and does not convey what it is like for a woman to have this disease and how it truly impacts her life, her family, her career, her sex life, and her ability to live her life in very basic ways.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
In reality, this disease can be like having tens or hundreds of restlessly painful blisters covering the inside of the pelvis. These are some most common symptoms of endometriosis.
- Pelvic Pain
- Infertility
- Pain during intercourse
- Heavy Menstrual pain
- Pain during urination and bowel movement
Stages of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is classified into four stages:
- Stage I (Minimal): Small, isolated lesions are found on the pelvic organs or lining.
- Stage II (Mild): More widespread lesions and shallow implants on the ovaries and pelvic lining.
- Stage III (Moderate): Numerous deep implants, small cysts on one or both ovaries, and the presence of adhesions.
- Stage IV (Severe): Extensive implants, large ovarian cysts (endometriomas), and significant adhesions causing organs to stick together, leading to increased pain and complications.
Risk factors of Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be influenced by a variety of risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These are as follows:
- Genetics: A family history of endometriosis, particularly among first-degree relatives, significantly raises the risk.
- Menstrual Factors: Early onset of menstruation, short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days), and heavy menstrual periods can increase the risk.
- Reproductive History: Women who have never given birth are at higher risk.
- Age: It most commonly affects women in their 30s and 40s.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions that prevent normal menstrual flow, such as uterine abnormalities, can contribute to the development of endometriosis.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Higher levels of estrogen in the body can promote endometriosis.
- Immune System Disorders: Issues with the immune system can make it harder for the body to recognize and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus.
- Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as low body mass index (BMI), can be associated with a higher risk of endometriosis.
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may contribute to the development of endometriosis.
Understanding these risk factors can help in early detection and management of the condition.
How to diagnose Endometriosis?
Diagnosing endometriosis typically involves a combination of methods to accurately identify the condition.It help and give accurate direct for the endometriosis treatment:
- Medical History and Symptom Review:
- Review patient’s medical history.
- Discuss symptoms such as pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and pain during intercourse or bowel movements.
- Pelvic Exam:
- Manual examination to feel for cysts or scars.
- Can suggest endometriosis but not definitively diagnose it.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: Detects ovarian cysts associated with endometriosis.
- MRI: Provides detailed images to identify the extent of the disease and plan for surgery.
- Laparoscopy:
- Minimally invasive surgical procedure.
- Directly views pelvic organs and can take biopsies.
- Considered the gold standard for diagnosis.
- Biopsy:
- Tissue samples taken during laparoscopy.
- Examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of endometrial cells.
- Blood Tests:
- Certain markers like CA-125 may be elevated.
- Not specific for endometriosis, used to support other diagnostic findings.
Using a combination of these methods provides the most accurate diagnosis of endometriosis, with laparoscopy offering definitive confirmation.
Can endometriosis affect pregnancy and fertility?
Yes, endometriosis can significantly affect pregnancy and fertility. The condition, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, can lead to inflammation, scarring, and adhesions in the pelvic region. These changes can interfere with the normal function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, making it more difficult for a woman to conceive. Endometriosis is associated with a higher risk of infertility, and women with severe endometriosis often experience more challenges in becoming pregnant. However, many women with endometriosis can still conceive, sometimes with the help of fertility treatments such as medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Is There Any Cure For Endometriosis?
“Endometriosis” and “cure” are rarely seen together in the same sentence. After all, it is supposed to be a prolonged recurrent disease that always comes back, and for many patients, this mantra is borne out in their personal experience with the disease; they undergo repeated failed surgeries and hormone therapies without relief.
Endometriosis treatment is usually with medications or surgery. However, It can be managed through diet and exercise. The approach you and your doctor choose will depend on the severity of your signs and symptoms and whether you hope to become pregnant. Generally, doctors recommend trying conservative treatment approaches first, opting for surgery as a last resort.
Medications for endometriosis pain relief can include:
- Over-the-counter pain relief.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Conservative surgery
If you have endometriosis and are trying to become pregnant, surgery to remove as much as possible while preserving your uterus and ovaries. Conservative surgery may increase your chances of success. If you have severe pain due to this disease, you may also benefit from surgery. However, endometriosis and pain may return. Your doctor may do this procedure laparoscopically or through traditional abdominal surgery in more extensive cases. In laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon inserts a slender viewing instrument (laparoscope) through a small incision near your navel and inserts instruments to remove endometrial tissue through another small incision.
Cost of Endometriosis Surgery
The cost of endometriosis surgery in India can vary widely depending on factors such as the hospital, the city or region, the surgeon’s expertise, the type of surgery required, and the patient’s specific medical needs. Generally, laparoscopic surgery, which is commonly used for diagnosing and treating endometriosis, may cost anywhere between ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 (approximately $700 to $4,000 USD). This cost typically includes hospital charges, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and post-operative care. Prices can vary significantly, so it’s advisable to consult with hospitals and healthcare providers to get specific estimates based on individual circumstances and requirements.
Contact Dr. Ranjana Dhanu to get the best endometriosis treatment in Mumbai.
