Pain, an indispensable companion of endometriosis, is not the end of the problems. For many women who suffer from it, the biggest concern is the difficulty of getting pregnant.
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, composed of a basal layer, from which the functional layer is reborn at the beginning of a new cycle, and then exfoliated at the end of the luteal phase under the influence of hormones. We learn about the migration and nesting of this membrane in an unusual place after the diagnosis, which is not easy. Along the way, other diseases should be ruled out, because the symptoms are ambiguous.
Impact of endometriosis on fertility
According to gynecologists, 6 out of 10 women affected by endometriosis can become pregnant, which in fact only half of them succeed. Ladies who have not started the treatment also have a chance to become a mother.
Even the mildest form of this condition can prevent embryo implantation, which is why treatment is so important. Infertility in endometriosis is caused by scarring and adhesions inside the fallopian tubes, which are associated with their obstruction. The sperm path to the egg cell is cut off. The disease can destroy the ovaries, and sometimes ectopic pregnancy occurs, which is directly life-threatening.
Symptoms and treatment of endometriosis
Endometriosis is considered to be an increasingly widespread cause of childlessness. Sometimes the symptoms suggest cancer. You may suspect endometriosis if you experience symptoms such as:
painful and heavy bleeding during menstruation that prevents normal functioning,
spotting between periods
abdominal and lower abdominal pain,
pain in the sacral area,
painful urination and defecation,
pain during gynecological examination,
painful intercourse,
flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting,
fever,
tiredness.
Age is not an excuse. In 2/3 of women, the first symptoms of endometriosis became known before the age of 20, and women after menopause may still experience some of the symptoms.
Ultrasound examination it allows to localize foci of the disease, e.g. on the ovaries, rectum, bladder, but in this way it is not possible to confirm peritoneal endometiosis. Typically, a laparoscopic surgery is performed, during which all endometriosis implants are removed and sent for histopathological examination.
Surgical removal of endometriosis foci on the ovaries, unfortunately, it limits the volume of this organ together with the number of egg cells, so it is important to report maternity plans to the doctor. Women who are satisfied with pharmacological therapy can talk about happiness.
The newly introduced drug in Poland reduces pain and disease outbreaks so effectively that in every fifth case there is no trace of them. Surgery is necessary when drug therapy is ineffective. This option is risky because it can lead to further adhesions. It is worth investing in an anti-adhesion gel or membrane out of your own pocket in order to avoid a vicious circle.