Every woman’s body is different and experiences menstrual periods differently. For some women, the symptoms accompanying a period are normal, but for others, they can be quite severe. Jackson Heights endometriosis is one such condition that affects many women of reproductive age and can cause them to experience more intense pain and other problems during their periods.
What happens after endometriosis?
When a woman has endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus in other parts of her body. This tissue can travel to places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even beyond those organs.
As a result, when a woman has her period, these areas become inflamed and cause pain or other symptoms. This can include severe cramping and lower back pain, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, painful intercourse, and heavy bleeding. In some cases, endometriosis may even cause infertility.
The diagnosis of endometriosis can vary. It is typically diagnosed through a physical exam, a pelvic ultrasound, or surgery.
Types of Endometriosis
Some of the types include:
- Superficial Endometriosis: This is the most common type and involves endometrial tissue growing on the surface of organs.
- Deep Endometriosis: This type affects the organs deeper in the body, such as the bladder, bowels, and rectum.
- Adenomyosis is when endometrial cells grow within the uterus wall, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Peritoneal Endometriosis is where endometrial cells grow on the lining of the abdominal cavity.
These are some of the causes of endometriosis:
- Hormone imbalances: A hormone imbalance can lead to an overproduction of endometrial cells, which can travel outside the uterus.
- Genetic factors: In some cases, endometriosis has been linked to genetics; it can also be passed down from mother to daughter.
- Immune system problems: When the immune system is weakened, it can become less effective at fighting off endometrial cells that travel outside the uterus.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants may increase your risk for endometriosis.
- Surgery: Surgery on the reproductive organs, such as a hysterectomy or cesarean section, can increase your risk for endometriosis.
Treatment for endometriosis
The treatment for endometriosis depends on the severity, symptoms, and type of endometriosis present. Common treatments include:
Hormonal therapy
Therapy using hormones such as birth control pills, GnRH analogs, or progestogens can reduce the amount of endometrial tissue and slow its growth.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the endometrial tissue. Laparoscopic surgery (also known as keyhole surgery) is used to remove endometrial tissue from the outside of the uterus.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and herbal remedies can help reduce symptoms and manage pain associated with endometriosis.
Pain management
Pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen may help reduce cramping and other pain. You need to follow the doctor’s instructions for taking these medications. The drugs may not suit you if you have certain medical conditions.
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, but early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you think you may have endometriosis, it is important to talk to your doctor at Raveco Medical.
