Jan 30 2010
Pregnancy and Endometriosis - No Cure But Pregnancy Chances Remain
Endometriosis & Pregnancy - Background
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues normally lining a woman’s uterus grow or attach to organs located outside. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It could tear, break and bleed. This often leads to the formation of kelloidal tissue and causes discomfort.
More than seven million females in the United States have endometriosis, says the Endometriosis Research Center. It is a leading cause of infertility, gynecologic surgeries and chronic pelvic pain.
What Causes Endometriosis?
Currently, the reason for the occurrence of endometriosis is still not known, but experts propose several possible causes. Studies of late suggest that this condition could be dictated by heredity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower back pain, chronic pain the pelvis, painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal), fatigue and irregular or labored breathing. Women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse and ovulation, painful bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea and constipation. In severe cases, endometriosis can lead to infertility.
Diagnosis
The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic exams like MRIs, ultrasound, or CAT scans are usually inconclusive. A healthcare practitioner needs to look into the signs and symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. In trying to diagnose the disease, the doctor may use laparatomy or a laparoscopic procedure.
Endometriosis has no cure yet, but physicians recommend several treatment methods to help a patient manage her symptoms.
How It’s Treated
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 objective would be to prevent further provocation of the lesions and to shield onself against the onset of related symptoms. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is performed particularly on patients who have come from surgery.
Surgery
Doctors use conservative surgery such as laparoscopy and laparatomy to diagnose the disease, as well as remove the 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
Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Some of the more popular alternative treatments include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutritional therapies such as herbs for fertility. 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.
