Endometriosis is a condition observed in some women characterized by the outward growth of the cells that usually line the inside of the uterus or mother’s womb. This lining typically enters the areas around the uterus in the pelvic organs-fallopian tubes, ovaries, or peritoneum (the abdominal lining). However, it can even be found in other body parts like the bowel and/or urinary bladder. “Since they are the same cells that form the endometrial lining, they are capable of responding to estrogen every month during the menstrual cycle, become a little thicker (show growth), and sometimes slightly bleed”, shares the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. Read on to know more about endometriosis symptoms and treatment.
Symptoms of Endometriosis:
Women who suffer from endometriosis can experience a wide range of symptoms occurring often before, during, or after monthly menses. These includes:
- Pain while urinating
- Pain during bowel movement
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Pelvic pain that can radiate to other body parts like the back, legs, or into the vagina or rectum
- Pain or discomfort during or after sexual intercourse
- Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
- Stomach/digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, or/and diarrhea
- Infertility- not able to conceive a child.
How can endometriosis be diagnosed?
If the patient experiences the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important to talk to a gynaecologist. Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, endometriosis doctor in Mumbai who may suspect endometriosis based on the history of menstrual symptoms and chronic pelvic pain. The doctor also prescribes pelvic exam and imaging tests like MRI and Ultrasound or give certain medications like Hormonal birth control pills and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to check if pelvic pain is relieved, probably because of having endometriosis.
Currently, the only way to confirm endometriosis is through laparoscopy. It is a minor surgical procedure wherein a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera at its end) is used to check if endometrial lesions/cells are present outside the uterus.
Can endometriosis be prevented?
No. The chances of developing endometriosis can be reduced by lowering the estrogen levels inside the body. Estrogen is a female hormone that is responsible for thickening the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle to prepare the mother’s womb for pregnancy.
To reduce the level of estrogen hormone inside the body, one can:
- Regular exercise
If women regularly exercise for more than 4 hours a week they will be able to maintain a lower amount of body fat which could eventually decrease the amount of estrogen circulating throughout the body.
- Avoid excessive drinking of alcohol
Alcohol can raise the levels of estrogen. For women who still choose to drink alcohol, a single drink per day is only allowed.
- Talk to a doctor about hormonal birth control methods
Some contraceptives contain estrogen hormone. So, women can consult a gynecologist and choose the birth control methods-pills, rings, or patches having a lower dose of estrogen.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks
Some studies show that drinking more than one drink that is high in caffeine in a day, especially green tea and sodas can increase estrogen levels.
Ways to manage or treat endometriosis:
Endometriosis can be treated by alleviating symptoms and the problems it causes.
- Medicines
If the patient is not trying to get pregnant, hormonal birth control is generally the first treatment option. This may include the use of hormonal intrauterine devices or the use of continuous and extended cycle birth control to reduce pain or bleeding associated with endometriosis. However, if the patient wants to get pregnant irrespective of suffering from endometriosis, then the doctor may prescribe Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist which stops ovulation, menstrual cycle, and growth of endometriosis.
- Surgery
When the symptoms faced by the patient are severe and hormonal treatment is not helping out or if there are fertility issues then surgery is the last resort. During the operation, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi locates the regions having endometriosis and removes them.
- Other treatments for Pain Management
The doctor may recommend the patient for some other treatments either alone or in combination with others. If the symptoms are mild enough, the pain can be managed by taking over-the-counter painkillers. Sometimes, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies or supplements of magnesium, Vitamin B1, or omega-3 fatty acids can even help in relieving pain.
To know more about Endometriosis treatment in Mumbai in detail, consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital.
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