What is Endometriosis? Which organs are affected in this disorder? What are symptoms of Endometriosis? What are the risk factors and further likely complications in Endometriosis? Should I consult a Gynecologist for Endometriosis?

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue inside of the uterus is known as endometrium and accordingly the name of the disorder is endometriosis.

Endometriosis involves which organs?

It may involve following:

• Ovaries

• Fallopian tubes

• Tissue lining your pelvis

• Rarely some other organs in vicinity

What happens in Endometriosis?

The endometrial-like tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. As it has no way to exit it is trapped.

In Ovaries: Cysts called endometriomas may get formed. Further scar tissue and adhesions formation are noted. These bands of fibrous tissues can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.

Obviously, it can cause pain from moderate to severe and that is most prominent during menstrual periods. Fertility problems are also noted.

What are Symptoms of Endometriosis:

Pelvic pain is the primary symptom, noted particularly during menstrual periods. The pain can be severe also and may be like cramps.

You need to know following signs and symptoms:

• · Painful periods: Also known as dysmenorrhea- Pelvic pain, Cramping, Lower back and Abdominal pain are common.

• · Pain during or after intercourse

• · Pain during bowel movements or urination- particularly during a menstrual period.

• · Excessive bleeding: Occasional heavy menstrual periods or intermenstrual bleeding.

• · Sometimes Infertility

• Frequent fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Is Severity of pain a definite indicator of severity of endometriosis?

No. The severity of your pain may not be a reliable indicator of the extent of your condition.

Is Pelvic Pain a definite indicator of Endometriosis?

No. Pelvic Pain is noted in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or Ovarian Cysts also.

Are frequent diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea, and cramping during menstrual periods a definite indication of Endometriosis?

Again No. These symptoms may be there in other diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Should I consult a Gynecologist in Endometriosis?

Yes. As discussed, first you have to get it diagnosed correctly. Whether it is Endometriosis or not. A good Gynecologist can help you in this regard.

Is endometriosis due to my bad food habit. If not what is the reason?

The exact cause is still unknown, Some of the causes are as below:

• · Retrograde menstruation: If menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and may further flow into the pelvic cavity which usually should go out of the body- then endometrial cells may stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs. Now they may grow and continue to thicken and bleed in each menstrual cycle. Thus, endometriosis develops.

• · Peritoneal cells Transformation

• · Transformation of Embryonic cell due to hormones such as estrogen during puberty.

• · Attaching to Surgical Incisions: it is noted sometimes after hysterectomy or C-section. In this condition, endometrial cells may attach to a surgical incision.

• · Endometrial cell transport

• · Immune system disorders because of which body is unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue that's growing outside the uterus.

Can I evaluate my risk factor for endometriosis?

Although this is job of a Gynecologist and you should consult a good gynecologist for the same. However, if you have one or more of the following you may be at greater risk for endometriosis:

• · No child birth

• · Your periods started at an early age

• · Your menopause goes to an older age

• · Your menstrual cycle is shorter than normal

• · Heavy menstrual periods for more than seven days in each cycle

• · Having higher levels of estrogen in your body

• · Low body mass index

• · Endometriosis in blood relations

• · Disorders of the reproductive tract

• · conditions preventing the passage of menstrual periods

When can the symptoms develop?

Endometriosis usually develops several years after the onset of menstruation (menarche).

Does Endometriosis symptoms become better during pregnancy?

In some cases, yes.

What complications are more likely in case of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a risk factors Infertility & Ovarian Cancer. It means likelihood of these diseases is more in women with Endometriosis.

Should I increase my visit frequency to Gynecologist?

Yes. You should undergo regular screening to rule out the other complications because of Endometriosis and also to manage the endometriosis effectively.

Can I find a good Gynecologist for Endometriosis?

Yes. You may consult a specialist Gynecologist. Dr Uma Mishra, MD, Obs & Gyne can be consulted for effective treatment or surgery in case of Endometriosis. She uses latest medical protocols for the benefits of the women in Noida and nearby locations. She is available for online consultations also on Practo and other online platforms.