Let's talk about Endometriosis

  • Jun, 23 , 21
  • Admon Palmar

It occurs when endometrial or womb tissue grows in other parts of the body.

This can cause pain, heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, and fertility problems.

Every month, a woman's ovaries produce hormones that order the lining of the uterus to thicken. During the period, the uterus sheds these cells along with blood and tissue through the vagina.

The most common sites for endometriosis are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, rectum, and bladder, but it can grow in other parts of the body.

Endometriosis occurs when these cells grow outside the uterus in any part of the body and act as the endometrial tissue would: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way out of the body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis affects the ovaries, cysts can form and all nearby tissues can become irritated and eventually form adhesions, that is, abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can cause the tissues and organs  pelvics stick together.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, it is almost always associated with menstrual periods. Many women have colic during their menstrual period, but with endometriosis they tend to have much more intense pain than usual, in addition this pain can increase over time and there may even be pain during ovulation.

Due to inflammation, it has been associated with symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome),  headaches and fatigue.

Signs and symptoms:

  • Excessive bleeding, you may have very heavy bleeding during your menstrual period or bleeding between periods.

 

  • Dysminorrhea, or very painful periods. The cramps can start before the period and can continue for several days of the menstrual period.

 

  • Pain when having sexual intercourse, the pain can be during or after intercourse.

 

  • Pain when going to the bathroom. This symptom occurs mainly during the period.

 

  • It can affect sterility. Many times this disease is diagnosed first in those who seek treatment for infertility.

 

 

It is not curable but it is treatable and diet and lifestyle are key to its progression. The only way to have a definitive diagnosis is by laparoscopy.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is very important that you consult your doctor, preferably a gynecologist specialized in fertility.


References:

Hogg S, Vyas S. Endometriosis update. Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine. 2018 03; 28 (3): 61-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogrm.2017.12.003

Internet reference at http://www.librys.com/dioxinas/index.html accessed May 28, 2006

With the help of our ally Regina Peralta, Bachelor of Nutrition.

 

Publicar un comentario