OVERVIEW
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places other than the uterus. The sheer number of women diagnosed with endometriosis is alarming. Endometriosis is known to affect the lives of over 25 million women in India alone, and there are millions more who may be ignorant about the problem, most of who are in their reproductive age. Patients are often ignorant about the disease, since many patients may be asymptomatic, resulting in delayed presentation to the gynecologists. Early diagnosis offers the best chance for effective treatment.
SYMPTOMS
While many patients may be asymptomatic,, those exhibiting symptoms include
- Pelvic Pain
- Dyspareunia (Pain during sex)
- Very painful menstrual periods
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Spotting between periods
- Pain when urinating or passing stools
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Infertility
Infertility is one of the consequences of endometriosis. To begin with, the prospect of going through a painful intercourse can impede the possibility of conception. Otherwise, scarring or adhesions of internal tissues and organs in the pelvic region may restrict adequate movement of the egg down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Endometriosis can cause an overproduction of fertilization and implantation causing hormones known as prostaglandins, thus causing infertility.
TREATMENT
There are certain fertility tests that may be done to arrive at a diagnosis for endometriosis. A laparoscopic procedure can identify problems like scarring and endometriosis. Treatment can begin following a laparoscopic procedure which is done to diagnose the problem. Treatment is generally medical management and rarely surgical management. Understandably, management of endometriosis may be a long-term process. Doctors prescribe medications to halt the progress of the condition. Surgery is recommended only when absolutely necessary. Patients are usually unaware of the disease and treatment modalities, despite the hardships they face in balancing childlessness and the severity of their problem. Women who want to conceive may require specialized treatments like In Vitro Fertilization. It may be one of the last options for women affected by endometriosis to get pregnant and bear children successfully. This treatment is said to be better suited to women who are over 35 years of age.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CONCEIVE WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Yes, it is definitely possible to get pregnant but the process may be a lot more challenging. The best chances for a woman with endometriosis to get pregnant are within the first couple of years following treatment. There are many women with endometriosis who get pregnant without any treatment at all. And there are some others who get pregnant and bear children successfully by adopting simple dietary and lifestyle modifications. If you have endometriosis and want to get pregnant, consult a fertility specialist immediately. The Fertility Specialist will work with you to find the best treatment plan to help you conceive.
This is a brief overview of endometriosis and infertility. If you have any further queries, please reach us at
info@milann.co.inor to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors call +91- 9513311897. We would be happy to be of assistance.
