Pregnancy and Endometriosis – Incurable But Pregnancy Possible
Thursday, January 14th, 2010Pregnancy and Endometriosis - 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 ovulation and menstruation, the uterual tissue growing externally is aggravated continuously. It could get torn, disintegrate and cause bleeding. This could lead to scar tissue formation and some pain and discomfort.
In the United States, the Endometriosis Research Center reports that there are over 7 million cases of endometriosis among women. It is a key cause of gynecologic surgeries, chronic pelvin discomfort, and infertility.
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
Usual signs and symptoms of endometriosis include irregular or labored breathing, pain during menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, lower back pain and fatigue. Women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse and ovulation, painful bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea and constipation. Endometriosis can result to infertility, in severe cases.
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. A doctor needs to study symptoms of the patient and her medical history. In an attempt to diagnose the illness, the doctor has the option to conduct a laparoscopic or a laparotomy procedure.
Endometriosis has no cure yet, but physicians recommend several treatment methods to help a patient manage her symptoms.
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 it doesn’t react well, one might need to take prescription medications.
Hormonal Drug Therapy
Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The objective here is to prevent further aggravation of the lesions and guard against the onset of other symptoms. These drugs cover GnRH agonists, progesterone drugs, and oral contraceptives. Hormone therapy is normally recommended for those who have been through surgery.
Surgery
Doctors usually determine the diagnosis following conservative surgeries like a laparotomy or laparoscopy and often pass through these procedures to extract abnormal growths. If successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
If conservative surgery is not effective, doctors may recommend hysterectomy and/or other, more invasive, surgical methods.
Alternative/Natural Therapy
Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Common alternative treatments would include acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and nutritional programs such as herbs for fertility. There is a large amount of literature that supports the use of natural treatments as a wellness tool that can also stimulate the body’s innate defense system and healing action.