Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Endometriosis is not ‘bad periods’. To others, it is a disease that induces incapacitating pain, emotional anguish, and sterility. Incidental in one of nine women, it is among the most prevalent gynaecologic disorders, yet underdiagnosed due to normalisation of menstrual cramps and comorbidity with other illnesses.

In endometriosis, the endometrium-like tissue surfaces in areas other than the uterus. The tissue thins and bleeds, like normal endometrial tissue, each month. But unlike the tissue within the uterus, this blood has no outlet. The consequences? Inflammation, scarring, adhesions, and cysts.

Indira IVF is committed to delivering you clarity and a proper solution. The expertise ensures accurate diagnosis and successful endometriosis treatment, allowing you to reclaim control over your life and fertility future.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a female reproductive problem in which tissue that looks like the lining of the uterus proliferates in places it shouldn't. The tissue will cling to organs and develop into lesions, cysts, and scar tissue.

It is not known why this occurs, but it occurs in women in various ways; some have minimal problems, and some have terrible pain and trouble conceiving.

Key Characteristics of Endometriosis

• Tissue-like endometrium develops outside the uterus
• In most typical cases, it occurs in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining
• Develops chronic inflammation, scarring, and adhesions
• It can impact fertility in some women

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of endometriosis remain a matter of study, but several risk factors have been identified.

Potential Causes and Risk Factors:

• Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual fluid moves in a backwards direction through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity rather than exiting the body.
• Hormonal imbalance: Having too much estrogen can stimulate abnormal tissue growth.
• Inheritance: If this problem runs in your family, then the risk of you getting endometriosis increases.
• Failure of the immune system: A faulty immune system will not be able to recognise and kill endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
• Causes of development: Endometrial cells may have been misplaced during fetal development.

Risk Factors Are:

• Early age of first menstruation
• Short menstrual cycles (generally less than 27 days)
• Longer menstrual bleeding (more than 7 days)
• Never having given birth to a child
• Family history of endometriosis

Endometriosis and Fertility

Endometriosis is a frequent cause of female infertility. Infertility can occur in up to 30–50% of women with endometriosis.

How it can impact fertility:

• Scar tissue and adhesions: These can distort pelvic anatomy and also block fallopian tubes.
• Inflammation: It can reduce egg and sperm quality.
• Endometriomas (ovarian cysts): These can destroy ovarian tissue and exhaust the egg reserve.

But endometriosis is not always a cause of infertility. Most women conceive naturally, but some take the help of fertility treatment in the form of IUI, IVF, or pelvic anatomy repair surgery. We thoroughly review each case at Indira IVF and formulate personalised fertility programs for optimal success.

Endometriosis Diagnosis

It may take some time to get an accurate endometriosis diagnosis since symptoms are mimicked by diseases such as PCOS, fibroids, or pelvic infection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

• Medical and pelvic examination: Initial assessment for tenderness, cysts, or nodules.
• Ultrasound scan: Facilitates recognition of ovarian cysts (endometriomas).
• MRI: Gives precise images of pelvic structures.
• Laparoscopy: Gold standard, with the added advantage of direct visualisation of the lesions and simultaneous treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches to Endometriosis

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis treatment varies based on whether the patient is seeking pain relief, fertility improvement, or both.

Medication Management:

• Pain relief: Medicines to inhibit inflammation

Hormonal treatment:

• Oral contraceptives inhibit cycles and minimise bleeding.
• Certain therapy inhibits endometrial growth.
• Hormonal IUDs inhibit pain and heavy bleeding.
• GnRH agonists and antagonists inhibit estrogen, leading to lesion shrinkage.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Laparoscopy: This endometriosis surgery includes the removal of the lesion to decrease pain and restore fertility.
• Adhesiolysis: Cutting of scar tissue to restore anatomy to normal. It maintains fertility and relieves symptoms.

Treatments for Infertility

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Helps overcome small barriers to pregnancy.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Best for extensive endometriosis or trauma to the tubes.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Increases fertilisation if sperm quality is also at risk.
• Lifestyle: Lifestyle changes and supportive care
• Diet: Anti-inflammatory diet, i.e., foods with omega-3.
• Exercise: Increases circulation and alleviates pain.
• Stress management: Yoga, meditation, or counselling enables adjustment to emotional impact.
• Support groups: Seeking help from others experiencing the same problems can help lower isolation.

Why choose Indira IVF for Endometriosis Treatment in Nepal?

Here at Indira IVF, we ensure symptom relief, whole-person healing and advanced fertility solutions.

Why Patients Trust Us:

• Highly experienced experts: Indira IVF houses seasoned gynaecologists and fertility experts who provide world-class treatment and care.
• Laparoscopic surgery: The fertility doctors provide precise, minimally invasive treatments with a quick recovery.
• Individualised fertility treatment: At Indira IVF, patients receive a range of advanced reproductive treatments, including IUI, IVF, ICSI, and high-tech ART.
• Personalised care: We offer individualised plans of care according to each woman's specific needs.
• Gentle care: Our emphasis is always on long-term treatment, emotional health, and patient comfort.

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Endometriosis isn't about menstruation; it's about quality of life and being able to be a mom. If you're having symptoms, don't ignore them. Early treatment is easier to treat and preserve your fertility.

Endometriosis isn't about menstruation; it's about quality of life and being able to be a mom. If you're having symptoms, don't ignore them. Early treatment is easier to treat and preserve your fertility.