Handling Endometriosis and Pregnancy - Incurable But Pregnancy Remains Possible
Posted by Cataracts - 27/01/10 at 02:01 pmEndometriosis and Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a medical condition that happens when the tissues that usually line the uterus multiply or attach themselves to the organs found outside. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. During the process of ovulation to menstuation, the uterual tissue that grows externally is continuously provoked. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.
In the United States, the Endometriosis Research Center reports that there are over 7 million cases of endometriosis among women. It is a leading cause of infertility, gynecologic surgeries and chronic pelvic pain.
Why Does Endometriosis Happen?
To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Recent studies point that the condition may be genetic.
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. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health 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. 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 objective would be to prevent further provocation of the lesions and to shield onself against the onset of related symptoms. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is used especially for patients who have undergone surgery.
Surgery
Doctors usually determine the diagnosis following conservative surgeries like a laparotomy or laparoscopy and often pass through these procedures to extract abnormal growths. If successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
If conservative surgery is not effective, doctors may recommend hysterectomy and/or other, more invasive, surgical methods.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
Quite a number of patients choose to go the alternative route of treatments instead of undergoing surgeries and taking medications. Common alternative treatments would include acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and nutritional programs such as natural 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.
