What Are The Symptoms Of Endometriosis?

• 30/01/2024
• 0

What are the symptoms of endometriosis? – Before knowing the symptoms of Endometriosis we have to know what Endometriosis is. It is a condition in which a part of a tissue lining inside our body detaches from there attaches somewhere else inside the body and starts growing. This condition which is called Endometriosis causes some uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your daily life. Some women who are suffering from these conditions have problems and issues with getting pregnant. The inner lining of your uterus is called the endometrium. This is the tissue that is shed by women during a menstrual period.

Symptoms of Endometriosis 

Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have mild to moderate symptoms, while others may have severe to very severe symptoms. The amount of pain you experience does not necessarily indicate the severity or stage of the disease. You may have a mild endometriosis disease and not feel any pain at all. On the other hand, you may have severe endometriosis and feel very little pain. It is compulsory to note that some people did not have any symptoms at all. Pelvic pain is the most common. 

However, you may also have other endometriosis symptoms such as painful periods, cramps around 1-2 weeks around menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding or heavy bleeding between periods, infertility, pain during sexual intercourse, discomfort with bowel movements, and lower back pain that may happen at any time during the menstrual cycle. Regular gynecological exams are important as your gynecologist will be able to monitor any changes in your symptoms. This is especially important if you have 2 or more symptoms.

The noticeable symptoms of Endometriosis are –

• Very painful menstrual cramps during periods.
• Back pain Abdominal pain in between periods or during periods.
• Pain During sex or after sex. 
• Very heavy or Very light bleeding during periods.
• Infertility in women (not easy to become pregnant)

Where it can be located and what are the Causes?

It is caused by the growth of endometrial tissue in the wrong place, such as outside of the uterus, the fallopian tube, the intestine, and within the pelvic cavity. When endometriosis develops, it causes pain associated with increased inflammation, fibrosis, and adhesions(the scar tissue). Although you can say the endometrium is a layer of tissue that builds and is located inside the lining of the uterus. These layers detach by themselves during menstrual periods to leave your body. Somehow if they don’t get removed they attach themselves again and start growing, this is a condition which is called Endometriosis. The endometrium is helpful in the early phases of development during pregnancy.

Mostly where Endometriosis is Located and Developed in very common parts of our body and also develops in some unwanted places as well for example 

• At the back and outside of your uterus
• Ovaries (common) 
• Fallopian Tubes 
• Vagina 
• Peritoneum (lining of your pelvis and abdomen) 
• Ureters and Bladders 
• Rectum
• Diaphragm(The muscle located near your respiratory system which is important for breathing). 

If we talk about some common causes like –

• Retrograde Periodic Blood –  The retrograde period occurs when endometrial blood flows back into the fallopian tube and into the pelvis at the same time that blood flows out of your body through your cervix and into your vagina during your menstrual cycle. 
• Retrograde menstrual blood can cause endometrial-like cells to be deposited outside of your uterus, where they can grow and implant.
• Cellular Metaphylaxis – Metaphylaxis is the process of cells changing from one type of cell to another. When cells outside of your uterus change from endometrial type to endometrial type, they start to grow and form stem cells. These stem cells can cause the disease to spread through your bloodstream and lymphatic system.

How you can Diagnose Endometriosis?

First, talk to your doctor about the unusual symptoms and the length of time you’ve been experiencing these symptoms. Your physician will guide you through this process. Diagnosis can be made through a variety of tests and reports, such as

• Ultrasound report,
• MRI scan report, and
• Pelvic exam.

However, for the most accurate diagnosis and confirmation, a laparoscopic procedure has always been considered the most reliable and preferred option. Laparoscopy involves removing a small portion of the endometriosis for sampling and research purposes so that the precise size and location of the endometrium can be determined and the subsequent procedure and proper treatment planned accordingly.

Conclusion 

Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja is an experienced gynae doctor and years of experience. Also, she is on the Designation of Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Breast Physician & Infertility Specialist at Dr Ahuja Clinic. Dr Rai Ahuja is a good listener and guides her patients in the right direction. Book your appointment with the best Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist in Chandigarh.