Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium or the inner lining of the womb starts growing outside the womb. It may grow on to the bowel, bladder, ovaries or Fallopian tubes. It may also reach the abdomen. The condition has been reported in around 2 million women across the world. It usually occurs without any symptom. It is most likely that you will have it if some lady in your family also had it. The condition may often lead to infertility. If the condition exists, then the woman may be able to conceive after opting for IVF. She can avail infertility treatment after getting the condition diagnosed.

Symptoms

As we told you, sometimes the symptoms may not be there at all. But some women may show the following symptoms-

1. Heavy, irregular and uncomfortable periods
2. Pain in the pelvic and abdominal area during ovulation or other times.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse
4. Problem in conceiving
5. Pain while passing urine or stools
6. Bleeding from the back   passage
7. Fatigue
8. Abdominal scars near the navel

The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of diseased tissue. Some women come to know about it only when they try to conceive.

Diagnosis

The first type of examination is the physical examination. The doctor feels the pelvis and abdomen for anomalies like cysts or scars.

The other methods of diagnosis are transvaginal ultrasound and laparoscopy. While the ultrasound can be done through the abdomen, the laparoscopy uses an instrument to look inside the abdomen for the condition. The laparoscope provides information about the size, extent, and location of the endometrial tissue.

Stages of Endometriosis

The severity of the condition depends on the amount of tissue that has grown inside.

Stage 1: signifies minimal growth

Stage 2:  signifies mild growth

Stage 3:  signifies moderate growth

Stage 4:  signifies severe growth

Treatment –

Endometriosis treatment depends on symptoms and the priorities of the patient. A woman trying to have a baby will have a different treatment than a woman not trying to get pregnant.

Getting pregnant with endometriosis

– Getting off the painkillers

If you experience pain and you take painkillers like NSAIDs,  paracetamol ar Codeine, then you will have to stop taking them as they may affect the baby adversely.

– Hormonal treatments

Hormonal treatments are given to those patients who are not trying to get pregnant.

– Surgery To Improve Fertility With Endometriosis

The most common option for ladies who want to improve their fertility is surgery. Laparoscopy is an effective procedure which helps in treating the condition through surgery. The surgery is done through laparoscope. It involves the use of a tubular structure with a camera to have a good look at the internal organs and carrying out the treatment after studying the situation carefully.