ENDOMETRIOSIS. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION AND INFERTILITY.

Endometriosis is defined as the emergence of tissue of the endometrium or internal layer of the uterus, in other places aside from the uterus. The most common places in the body where the tissue emerges are in: the Ovaries, Vagina, Rectum, Urinary Bladder, etc. The inflammation and bleeding that takes place in the uterus during menstruation, also happens in the places where the tissue of the endometrium is implanted.

Between 10 to 15% of fertile women suffer from Endometriosis and it is the cause behind 60% of cases of infertility or inability to have children.

The symptoms begin from their early menstruations and identifying them early could change the live of those that suffer from it.

WARNING SYMPTOMS.

PAIN.

An intense incapacitating pain throughout menstruation that prevents the sufferer from completing basic tasks. It usually starts in early menstruations, and it is a warning sign when it is permanent every month. It is a type of pain that prevents suffers from completing basic functions such as going to school or to work as well as requiring continuous pain relief. Another warning sign is experiencing pain when urinating, defecating or when having sexual intercourse.

INFERTILITY.

We have to explore the possibility of the patient having Endometriosis when a woman suffers from infertility or is unable to fall pregnant, as this condition causes 60% of cases of infertility. This condition causes the malfunctioning of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

DIAGNOSIS.

A quick and effective diagnosis is essential in order to ensure that a patient begins treatment as soon as possible.

A gynaecological examination and an ultrasound are the first tools that we should use to diagnose this pathology even though, the collection of a tissue sample through a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure) would provide a confirmed diagnosis.

TREATMENT.

The treatment for this disease is medical, surgical and involves taking medication to treat the pain and suppress hormone production in the ovaries, etc.

Surgical treatment ranges from a laparotomy (surgery where the tissue of the endometrium is cleaned from the organs where they are located) to a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes).

Lastly, it has been found that adhering to a number of things would help to manage Endometriosis. These measures include maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as those present in fruits and vegetables, do exercise, maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D and avoid ingesting hormone filled meats.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director de HealthSalus