Handling Endometriosis and Pregnancy - Incurable But Pregnancy Remains Possible

Pregnancy 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 menstruation, the uterual lining is shed as per normal, but the portion growing outside the uterus remains. 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.

There are over 7 million reported cases of endometriosis among females in the US, according to the Endometriosis Research Center. It is one of the primary causes of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and gynecologic surgeries.

Why Does Endometriosis Occur?

Presently, the cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but experts have suggested a few possible reasons. 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. Endometriosis can result to infertility, in severe cases.

Diagnosis

The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic means such as MRIs, CAT scans or ultrasound are normally inconclusive. A doctor needs to study symptoms of the patient and her medical history. In order to diagnose the problem, the doctor may opt to conduct a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.

Endometriosis Cure?

Endometriosis has yet to find a cure, but doctors suggest certain methods of treatment to help with its management.

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. It this does not work, one may need to take prescription drugs.

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 successful, this will eliminate pain and improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

If a conservative surgical procedure is ineffective, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy or some other invasive surgical method.

Alternative/Natural Therapy

A lot of patients prefer alternative or natural treatments against surgical procedures and medications. Some of the common and more popular natural treatments are acupuncture, Chinese medicaine, and nutrition-based programs like 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.