Pregnancy and Endometriosis – No Cure But Pregnancy Chances Remain
Posted on March 1, 2010
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Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a female health condition that occurs when the uterine tissues either grow or attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus. During a woman’s period, the uterine lining will normally slough off; however the part that grows outside the uterus will remain. During the process of ovulation to menstuation, the uterual tissue that grows externally is continuously provoked. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This aggravation causes the formation of scar tissue and produces discomfort.
In the United States, the Endometriosis Research Center reports that there are over 7 million cases of endometriosis among women. It has been found to be the key causes of chronic pain in the pelvis, gynecologic surgeries, and infertility.
Why Does Endometriosis Occur?
At present, the cause behind the occurrence of endometriosis is unknown, although experts have proposed several possible explanations. Recent studies point that the condition may be genetic.
Symptoms
Usual signs and symptoms of endometriosis include irregular or labored breathing, pain during menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, lower back pain and fatigue. Women can also expect to feel some discomfort while passing stools, some gastro intestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea, and even pain while ovulation or having sexual intercourse. In cases that are severe, endometriosis may cause infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other laboratory and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CAT scans, or MRIs do not normally lead to conclusive results. The doctor would need to look into the symptoms being felt, as well as the patient’s health history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.
Endometriosis still has no cure, however, doctors recommend that certain modes of treatment be applied to help manage it.
Treatment
Methods to manage endometriosis include:
Pain Medication
Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. If that doesn’t work, prescription drugs may be recommended.
Hormonal Drug Therapy
Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The goal is to stop the lesions from being aggravated further and to protect against the onset of various other illnesses. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is used especially for patients who have undergone surgery.
Surgery
Conservative surgical procedures such as the laparotomy and laparoscopy are conducted by doctors to determine the diagnosis and to remove abnormal growths. If it succeeds, it will help eliminate pain and increase the chances of pregnancy.
If traditional surgery does not prove to be effective, doctors can opt to perform a hysterectomy or other more invasive procedures.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
A lot of patients prefer alternative or natural treatments against surgical procedures and medications. Popular alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition-influencing treatments like fertility herbs. There is a significant volume of literature supporting these natural treatments, each promoting wellness while at the same time stimulate the body’s innate healing and defense mechanisms.
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