Having painful cramps should not be overlooked and merely brushed aside as part of the menstrual cycle. If this happens frequently, you may actually be at risk for having endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects 5.5 million women in the US and Canada and 2 million women in the UK. This medical condition affects women and girls of all ages, even as young as 10 years old and as old as 85. Still, not so much are aware of this condition. It is important to find out before it’s too late so the proper medication can be prescribed to remedy the situation. But first, you need to get acquainted with this condition.
Endometriosis happens when the endometrium, a tissue found in the uterus’s lining, is found outside of the uterus. The misplaced tissues develop into growths or lesions. These tissues have no way of leaving the body. So, they cause internal bleeding and inflammation. This is when all the symptoms of endometriosis will come about. But this is only one of the many explanations of the cause of endometriosis. There are several other theories that try to explain the cause of the condition. Some studies are being made to determine if the immune system has something to do with the condition. It is believed that when the patient’s immune system may not be functioning properly, not all the menstrual fluid is able to get out of the body. And thus, create these growths or lesions. Others say that endometriosis may be genetic. There are also researches that say that endometriosis is a medical condition of the endocrine system, since estrogens are said to be responsible for the development of the condition.
Though not experienced all at once, one may eventually lead to another. The primary symptom experienced by someone having endometriosis is pain before and during menstruation. This may also be included with pain in urinating and bowel movements during periods. Diarrhea, constipation and nausea may also be experienced. The individual suffering from endometriosis may also experience having regular yeast infections, and experiencing pain in sex and fertility. The other symptoms of endometriosis are fatigue, chemical sensitivities and allergies.
To know for sure if you are affected with endometriosis, a laparoscopy could be done for the individual. In this operation, a tube is inserted into the pelvis to look at any growths or lesions that may be developing in the area. A laparotomy, is also another option of diagnosis in which a cut in the abdomen has to made to be able to examine the possibilities of being affected.
There are four different ways to treat endometriosis. One is through taking pain medications. Aspirin, acetaminophen and prostaglandins are some of the medications that may be prescribed to the patient. Hormonal therapy, another way to treat endometriosis, is done to delay ovulation for a long period of time. Medications will also be taken to achieve this. These are in the forms of oral contraceptives, progesterone drugs and testosterone derivatives. Surgery, another option for treatment, will be done to remove the growths/lesions that have formed inside the body. This treatment stops the pain and may even allow the possibility of pregnancy. Alternative treatment is also available to care for endometriosis. Chinese medicine, nutritional approaches, homeopathy, allergy management and immune therapy are some of these.
So, the next time you experience those painful cramps. Try to examine the condition and look out for the other symptoms. It may not be just cramps.
