5 Facts About Endometriosis That You Should Be Aware Of

Endometriosis is a common but understudied condition that can affect women. Endometriosis is derived from the term "endometrium," which refers to the tissue that lines the interior of the uterus. If a woman is not pregnant, this tissue accumulates and is lost each month as menstrual flow (your period). Endometriosis develops when this tissue grows outside the uterus on the surfaces of organs in the pelvic and abdominal areas where it should not. Tissues around the endometriosis site may become inflammatory or swollen, resulting in the formation of scar tissue.

Due to a widespread lack of understanding among both women and health care professionals and as a result of "normalization," there is a considerable delay between when a woman first feels symptoms and when she is finally examined and treated. Here is a list of five facts about endometriosis that you should be aware of.

1. Endometriosis is a surprisingly common condition

Endometriosis affects 10% of women of reproductive age, according to the World Health Organization. That means that around 190 million women and girls worldwide are affected by this issue. Someone you know may be suffering from endometriosis or will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives.

2. It can only be detected through surgery

The only method to effectively identify endometriosis is through surgical intervention. A gynecologist may prescribe a laparoscopy after consultation, which can be performed as a day or overnight surgery, depending on the intricacy. General anesthesia is necessary, and both diagnosis and treatment can occur concurrently.

During a laparoscopy, a tiny incision at the belly button is made. Then, a laparoscope, a tiny telescope connected to a video camera, is inserted to allow the surgical team to view the process. The surgeon will examine the pelvic organs for endometrial lesions and endometriosis, as well as scars and adhesions. Endometriosis will be extracted during laparoscopy and referred for histology to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Endometriosis can cause infertility

Endometriosis is one of the top three reasons for female infertility, yet the connection between the two is still unclear to researchers. Many women don't realize they have endometriosis or infertility until they try to become pregnant.

Endometriosis can be left untreated in some women, and the condition progresses, allowing endometrial lesions to clog the fallopian tubes and limit ovulatory activity. Some studies also show that endometriosis may modify the uterus to prevent embryo implantation; however, further study is required to confirm this theory.

4. The cause of endometriosis is still unknown

Endometriosis has no known etiology; however, it is extremely likely that certain genes predispose women to the condition. Women are more likely to get endometriosis if their mother and/or sister(s) are also affected. The age at which a woman begins her menstrual cycle, other gynecologic issues, and environmental exposures may all have an impact on her susceptibility to endometriosis.

5. Endometriosis can be treated but not cured

There is no cure for endometriosis, however, there are several treatments available. Painkillers are effective when the pain or other symptoms are modest. These medications include over-the-counter treatments and powerful prescription pharmaceuticals.

Hormone treatment might be helpful if your areas are tiny and/or you experience little discomfort. Hormones can be taken as a pill, as a shot or injection, or as a nasal spray. Progesterone, birth control pills, danocrine, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone are common hormones used to alleviate endometriosis discomfort (GnRH).

Surgical therapy is generally the most effective option if your endometriosis is severe or you are in a lot of pain. Minor to major surgical techniques is used in surgical therapies. Before your operation, you and your doctor should discuss various endometriosis removal alternatives.