Handling Endometriosis and Pregnancy – Incurable But Pregnancy Remains Possible
Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Background
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues normally lining a woman’s uterus grow or attach to organs located outside. During menstruation, the uterual lining is shed as per normal, but the portion growing outside the uterus remains. During the process of ovulation to menstuation, the uterual tissue that grows externally is continuously provoked. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This is likely to cause scar tissue formation and some discomfort.
There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It is a key cause of gynecologic surgeries, chronic pelvin discomfort, and infertility.
What Causes Endometriosis?
Presently, the cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but experts have suggested a few possible reasons. Studies to date indicate that the condition may be hereditary.
Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Women can also expect to feel some pain while ovulating or having sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and GI tract conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Similar diagnostic tests like CAT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound do not usually bear conclusive results. A healthcare practitioner needs to look into the signs and symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. In trying to diagnose the disease, the doctor may use laparatomy or a laparoscopic procedure.
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. It this does not work, one may need to take prescription drugs.
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 medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is performed particularly on patients who have come from 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
Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like natural herbs for fertility. There is a significant volume of literature supporting these natural treatments, each promoting wellness while at the same time stimulate the body’s innate healing and defense mechanisms.












