How Does Endometriosis Occur and What Are the Treatment Options?

How Does Endometriosis Occur and What Are the Treatment Options? Endometriosis is a type of disorder that happens when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterine cavity including on the ovaries, pelvis tissue lining, and bowel. The tissue is called an endometrial implant.

The menstrual cycle’s hormonal changes impact the displaced endometrial tissue, resulting in the area becoming inflamed and painful. When the tissue breaks down, it can be trapped in the pelvis, causing irritation, serious pain during periods, fertility issues, scar formation, and adhesions.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis in McDonough vary in the symptoms they experience. While some experienced mild symptoms others can have serious symptoms. The most common symptom of this disorder is pelvic pain, painful periods, cramps, lower abdominal pain, infertility, bowel movement discomforts, pain after sexual intercourse, and lower back pain. Some women may not have symptoms. Regular gynecological examinations are important so a gynecologist can monitor any changes.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis can disrupt the life of a sufferer when left untreated. While the disorder has no cure, it is possible to manage its symptoms. Patients can consider medical or surgical options to help minimize their symptoms and manage possible complications. Doctors may try conservative treatments first and recommend surgery when the patient’s condition does not improve. They will help their patients find the right treatment option for them. Treatment options include the following:

Pain medications

Over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen may help relieve the pain associated with endometriosis. However, their effects are just temporary.
Hormonal contraceptives

These contraceptives reduce fertility by preventing endometrial tissue from growing and building up. Vaginal rings, patches, and birth control pills can decrease or eradicate the pain in less serious endometriosis.
Hormone therapy

Sometimes, supplemental hormones can help relieve pain and stop the disorder’s progression. Hormone therapy allows the regulation of monthly hormonal changes that encourage the growth of tissue that happens when a patient has endometriosis.
Conservative surgery

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery ideal for women who want to conceive or experience chronic pain. Also, it can benefit women who can’t get relief from hormonal treatments. This surgery is meant to get rid of or destroy endometrial growths without causing damage to the reproductive organs.
Hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy is only recommended as a last resort when other treatments don’t work for the patient. This involves the removal of the uterus and cervix. Also, the ovaries are removed since they make estrogen, which causes endometrial tissue growth. Visible implant lesions are also removed during a total hysterectomy.