Are you wondering, “What is Endometriosis?” This is known to cause pain from mild to debilitating in women, especially during the menstrual period. It is entirely different from the normal menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea.
Unfortunately, this condition can lead to fertility issues. Thus, if you suffer from its symptoms, a checkup is in order for treatment. Learn more about this condition in this mini-guide. Remember, you are your own best advocate, so you must take a proactive approach to your health.
Defining Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis? This condition gets its name from the endometrium, the lining of your uterus walls. It occurs when the tissues similar to those that line the inside of the uterus grow outside. It often involves:
- The ovaries
- Fallopian tube
- Tissues lining the pelvis
Although rare, in some extreme cases, doctors find endometrial-like tissue beyond the pelvic organs. If you suffer from this condition, this tissue lining becomes thick, breaks down, and you bleed it out during menstruation.
However, since this tissue has no way to exit the body, it stays trapped there. If the condition surrounds the ovaries, Endometriomas can develop. Sadly, this will irritate the area and form scar tissue or adhesions. This can cause the organs in your uterus and pelvic tissues to band and stick to one another.
Primary Symptoms of Endometriosis
The main symptom of Endometriosis is pelvic pain. It normally crops up during the menstrual period. However, it is a far cry from normal menstrual pain. Those who suffer from it say it is far worse and increases over time. Take a look at the usual signs and symptoms of this disorder:
- Period Pain: Pelvic pain and cramps start before your period and extend many days after it. Apart from the usual abdominal pain, you can have lower back pain.
- Excessive Bleeding: You experience unusually heavy flow and intermenstrual bleeding (in between periods where you should have been period-free).
- Painful Intercourse: if you have this condition, you may feel discomfort and pain during or after sex.
- Painful Urination and Defecation: Normally, you feel discomfort when you go to the total, especially when you have your period.
- Infertility: It is common for women to find out they have this disorder when seeking infertility treatment. Since your uterus and other reproductive organs are affected, it can affect conception.
- Other Issues: You may feel diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, bloating, and nausea, which are all heightened during menstrual periods.
The Severity of the Disorder
Notably, the extent of your pain is not a good indicator of the severity of your condition. Some people have mild Endometriosis but very severe pain. Others have advanced Endometriosis with minor or no pain at all.
Usually, this disorder is also mistaken for other issues that cause pelvic pain. For example, it may be misdiagnosed as PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Others have it confused for ovarian cysts. Another common wrongful association is IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as it causes cramping and bouts of loose stools or constipation. Notably, IBS can exist with Endometriosis, making the diagnosis complex.
If you feel any signs and symptoms above, you must see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. It is imperative to get a checkup right away because an early diagnosis will prevent exacerbation. Besides, you can better manage the painful symptoms after seeking medical care. Don’t suffer through your menstrual cramps because a simple medical evaluation can alleviate your problems. Also, read about How To Fade Acne Scars Naturally, and many more articles on our website.
