Terribly intense menstrual cramps, heavy circulate, ache throughout intercourse; are these simply interval pains, or might it’s endometriosis?
Endometriosis happens when the kind of tissue that usually strains your uterus grows in your physique the place it doesn’t belong, like in your ovaries or fallopian tubes, bladder or bowels—even in your stomach. During your interval, you shed the liner that has constructed up since your final bleed.
When endometrial tissue grows exterior of your uterus, it reacts to the identical hormonal modifications because the tissue of your uterine lining—shedding and bleeding. Your physique absorbs this small quantity of blood, and you are feeling it as extreme cramping, irritation and different signs. Women describe the ache as extreme cramps, irritation or painful bowel actions or urination. Endometriosis could make intercourse throughout your interval painful.
Women residing with endometriosis could have heavy intervals, and heaving bleeding between intervals, and cramps that may get extra painful over the months and years.
What Causes Endometriosis?
No one is aware of for certain what causes endometriosis. Some assume it could be brought on by what’s known as backward menstruation, the place menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows by way of the fallopian tubes into the pelvis, inflicting cells to develop exterior the uterus. Endometriosis might also be an immune or lymphatic system dysfunction.
Risk elements
Endometriosis can occur to any lady, however you might be extra in danger for creating endometriosis when you:
- Drink alcohol
- Had your first interval earlier than age 12
- Have by no means been pregnant
- Experience brief cycles (lower than each 25 days)
- Have low physique mass index or are underweight
- Have a uterine drawback, corresponding to an irregular form
- Have a household historical past of endometriosis
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Unfortunately, endometriosis is fairly exhausting to diagnose. You’ll want to trace your interval dates, bleeding patterns and signs to debate together with your care supplier. They might want you to have a pelvic ultrasound to search for cysts.
The solely solution to diagnose endometriosis for certain is with a surgical process known as a laparoscopy. Your care supplier will insert a small camera-like scope by way of tiny incisions in your stomach to search for lesions or scar tissue, which can be eliminated through laser throughout this time.
Treating Endometriosis
Mild ache signs could also be managed with ibuprofen or naproxen. In many circumstances, although, hormones are wanted to enhance the extreme ache. Your care supplier could counsel hormonal contraceptives, such because the patch, capsule or ring to make intervals shorter, lighter or much less crampy. IUDs could cease intervals, eliminating the ache of menstruation. One drug blocks ovulation. In extreme circumstances, surgical procedure could also be the best choice.
Not each lady who has painful intervals has endometriosis. But in case your intervals are making you miss work, college or different actions, have a devoted dialogue together with your healthcare supplier about endometriosis.
Find out about endometrial most cancers right here.
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