TREATMENT
What is Endometriosis?
The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus is called endometrium. Endometriosis
is a disorder where this tissue grows outside the uterus rather than inside it. This is
usually confined to the lower abdomen, or the pelvic region, such as the ovaries,
lymph nodes, peritoneum and the fallopian tubes, but in rare cases, may spread
beyond the pelvic organ. This displaced endometrial tissue will grow, thicken and
break down in the same way it would have inside the uterus. But in this condition,
since the displaced tissue cannot be expelled outside the uterus during
menstruation, it becomes trapped, irritate the surrounding tissues, and cause
physical symptoms such as pain and adversely affect other bodily functions like
blocking the fallopian tubes.
One possible explanation is that some of the blood and tissues may travel
out of the uterus through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal
cavity when the woman has her period. This in turn may lead to
retrograde menstruation.
Cells outside the uterus may metamorphose into the same kind of cells
that lines the interior of the uterus.
During a surgical procedure such as a cesarean section, a woman may
end up getting some endometriosis cells attached to the abdominal
incision, due to which she is affected by endometriosis in the scar from
the surgery.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
There is no single test for diagnosing endometriosis; instead, the doctor performs a
variety of tests for an accurate diagnosis:
Pelvic Exam: The doctor manually feels your abdomen for any cysts or
scars behind the uterus.
Ultrasound: A device known as transducer is either inserted into the
vagina (transvaginal ultrasound) or pressed against the abdomen
(abdominal ultrasound) in order to create images of the reproductive
organs. This can help identify cysts associated with endometriosis,
although it does not conclusively prove whether the person has this
condition.
Laparoscopy: In this method, the doctor makes a small incision in the
abdomen near the navel and inserts a small viewing device, also known
as laparoscope, to examine the endometrial tissue and also take samples
of the tissue (biopsy). Depending on the nature of the lesions, the
particular stage of endometriosis can be ascertained.
o Stage 1: Small and isolated lesions on the ovary
o Stage 2: Mild lesions and several shallow implants on the
ovary and pelvic lining
o Stage 3: Moderate or deep lesions with clear adhesions
o Stage 4: Multiple, severe lesions on ovary and pelvic lining,
and may also be present on the fallopian tubes and bowels.
Endometriosis Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis, but the available treatment methods
are aimed at reducing the severity of the symptoms and managing any
complications.
There are some complementary treatment options which can be done at home to
manage the symptoms. Regular physical activity like walking can help slow down
the rate of progression. Avoiding coffee can also help, as caffeine can aggravate
the symptoms of endometriosis.