1 in 3 infertile females have endometriosis. The desire to have a baby can quickly turn into a nightmare for this disease that affects the lining of the womb.
The pain associated with this pathology is due to lesions and cysts in several organs such as the vagina, fallopian tubes or the ovaries
Previously, this disease was little known to the public. Now, it’s gradually starting to democratize.
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Endometriosis : the elements to know to understand this pathology
Symptoms of endometriosis
Females realize that they have this condition when they want to have a baby.
But, it’s possible to detect it earlier thanks to several signs :
– Painful periods
– Diarrhea
– Constipation
– Pain during intercourse
– Nausea
– Pain in the small pelvis
How do I know if a female has endometriosis ?
It’s a difficult disease to spot. Only specialists who know the disease can make the diagnosis. You should consult a doctor, a gynecologist or an endometriosis specialist. They have the ability to understand what is going on in the patient’s body, in particular through pain.
They can also help themselves with an ultrasound and laparoscopy.
However, each case is different. Females must have personalized follow-up. There is no general rule for endometriosis.
If you have this pathology, what is next ?
A female affected by this pathology is redirected to a specialist. It’s essential to do certain exams such as a pelvic ultrasound, MRI or endovaginal ultrasound. These tests can be supplemented by an endosonography or colonoscopy or an examination to analyze the inside of the wall of the rectum.
These exams are important because they allow professionals to find the right treatment.
How to reduce the pain ?
Endometriosis is a painful pathology. It’s treated with hormones. By blocking the menstrual cycle, the pain decreases.
Two main treatments are estrogen-progestogen contraception and the intrauterine system with levonorgestrel.
Doctors also prescribe painkillers.
In addition, this disease affects hormones. Females with this condition can experience mood swings and irritability.
See also : fertility and psychological support, is it necessary to get pregnant ?
Is endometriosis really a sign of infertility?
According to the official endometriosis website, 30 to 40% of females with endometriosis have fertility concerns.
But, it’s possible that this fertility is temporary.
One of the solutions presented by healthcare professionals is surgery. It appears to have the power to resolve infertility issues.
However, recent studies seem to contradict this claim. It seems that the endometrium of endometriotic patients has abnormal genes. The womb of these females
presents elements unfavorable to have a baby.
Is there a treatment?
Endometriosis isn’t treatable. However, doctors have the opportunity to treat the symptoms. Females take hormones to alleviate the symptoms of this disease.
Complete removal of angiomas is also offered through surgery.
But, to find a suitable treatment, it’s necessary to treat on a case by case basis.
Gray areas around this disease
The origin of endometriosis isn’t explained. In fact, so-called sterile females manage to get pregnant when they are diagnosed with endometriosis. This phenomenon creates gray areas.
This is the reason why studies are being carried out.
One of them is led by the team of Marina Kvaskoff, epidemiologist and researcher at Inserm.
She wants to bring together a large panel of females with endometriosis to speed up research.
The objective of this approach is to understand the history of the disease, analyze the determining factors, its progression and the appropriate treatments.
Endometriosis is best known by prospects. It still requires changes. This pathology isn’t currently recognized by social security. Changes are therefore still needed to help females with this disease.
However, there is no generality regarding this pathology. Some women experience reduced fertility but may have a baby. They should only be more patient.