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Pregnancy and Endometriosis - Incurable But Pregnancy PossibleEndometriosis & Pregnancy - Background Endometriosis is described as a condition that arises when the tissues that normally line the uterine walls attach themselves to the organs outside of the uterus or grow. During the menstrual period itself, the uterual lining normally sheds by itself but the part that grows outside of the uterus stays. Throughout the ovulation to menstruation phase, the uterual tissue becomes constantly provoked. It might get torn, disintegrate and bleed. This could lead to scar tissue formation and some pain and discomfort. In the United States, the Endometriosis Research Center reports that there are over 7 million cases of endometriosis among women. It has been found to be the key causes of chronic pain in the pelvis, gynecologic surgeries, and infertility. What Causes Endometriosis? To date, endometriosis has no identified cause, although experts do note several potential explanations. Recent studies point that the condition may be genetic. Symptoms Usual signs and symptoms of endometriosis include irregular or labored breathing, pain during menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, lower back pain and fatigue. Women can also expect to feel some pain while ovulating or having sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and GI tract conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. In worse cases, endometriosis may result in infertility. Diagnosis The only sure method to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery. Other diagnostic exams like MRIs, ultrasound, or CAT scans are usually inconclusive. A doctor needs to study symptoms of the patient and her medical history. To diagnose the condition, the doctor may conduct a laparoscopic procedure or a laparotomy. Endometriosis has no cure yet, but physicians recommend several treatment methods to help a patient manage her symptoms. Treatment Methods to manage endometriosis include: Pain Medication Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are available over-the-counter, are used to decrease discomfort and pain. If that doesn’t work, prescription drugs may be recommended. Hormonal Drug Therapy Hormone drugs can be used to block a patient’s ovulation. The goal is to stop the lesions from being aggravated further and to protect against the onset of various other illnesses. These medications include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone drugs. Hormone therapy is normally recommended for those who have been through surgery. Surgery Doctors use conservative surgery such as laparoscopy and laparatomy to diagnose the disease, as well as remove the abnormal growths. If successful, this would help get rid of the pain and boost the woman’s chances of pregnancy. If a conservative surgical procedure is ineffective, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy or some other invasive surgical method. Alternative/Natural Therapy Many patients prefer natural or alternative therapies to medications and surgery. Common alternative treatments would include acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and nutritional programs such as herbs for fertility. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence in support of these natural therapies which aim to “do no harm” while stimulating the body’s inherent defense and recovery mechanisms to heal itself.
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