Here’s all you need to know about endometriosis

08 Oct Here’s all you need to know about endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder that’s extremely painful, physically and emotionally, for a lot of women across the globe. Here’s Dr. Usha M Kumar, the Best Endometriosis Specialist in India explains everything you need to know about endometriosis.

Endometriosis is one disorder that’s not getting its due in the public’s consciousness. As many as 89 million young women in the reproductive age all over the world are suffering from endometriosis. According to the Endometriosis Society of India, the estimated number of women suffering from the disorder in India is about 25 million–these are just the reported cases–and this number is increasing by the day.

Why is it so important to diagnose endometriosis? Because besides being physically painful, this disorder also wrecks a woman’s emotional well-being. According to current statistics, endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years.

What is endometriosis?

It is a disease that occurs when tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside it. This tissue can thus be found in ovaries or around the external uterus lining in women suffering from the disorder.

“With every menstrual cycle, there is bleeding inside this abnormal tissue growth. As a result, thick dark blood accumulates in the ovaries and becomes cyst which is also one of the reasons for painful periods,” says Dr. Usha M Kumar.

“You can say that it is the main reason for stomach pain and inability to conceive in women between 25 to 30 years of age. Though it’s not always the case, the condition has been linked to a higher risk for infertility because it may influence egg quality, disturbs your menstrual cycle, or might cause higher levels of inflammation,” adds Dr Usha M Kumar, the Best Endometriosis Specialist in India.

Pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvis is the most common symptom of endometriosis, often during or just before your period. Pain may also be felt during ovulation, while passing urine, during or after sexual intercourse, in the lower back region, in the lower back or in the legs.

Other symptoms may include:

– Diarrhea or constipation (in connection with menstruation)

– Heavy, irregular menstruation

– Chronic/recurring pelvic pain

– High blood pressure

– Coughing up blood

– Blood in the urine or the stool

– Frequent or urgent urination

– Difficult or prolonged menstruation

– Irregular bowel movements

– Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)

– Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases)

How to treat endometriosis

Nearly 30 to 40 per cent of women with endometriosis can be infertile. The endometriosis treatment depends on several factors like the age of the lady, severity of the symptoms and desire to have children.

Dr. Usha M Kumar, the Best Endometriosis Specialist in India said, “Diagnosing endometriosis is more difficult in Indian women. It generally affects the age group of 25-30 yrs but these days, it is found in the age group of 11-19 as well. So, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms of endometriosis and the treatments available for it.”

“Young women with endometriosis who want to conceive may require specialized treatments like IUI or IVF (test tube baby). If the patient is older and has had repeated surgeries, a total Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy (removing uterus and ovaries) is the final solution,” said Dr. Usha M Kumar.

You can also go for natural treatments to treat endometriosis, such as adopting healthier eating habits – like lessening or eliminating caffeine, sugar, and alcohol and consuming organic food and supplementing essential nutrients such as Vitamin B complex may help lower your estrogen level. You can also do exercise, yoga, and meditation to improve your general and reproductive health.