Endometriosis & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that should line the uterine wall (endometrium) grows and builds up outside the uterus.

Under normal circumstances, the uterine lining tissue will thicken when you are about to experience fertility.

This occurs as a preparation so that the prospective fetus can attach to the uterus in the event of conception.

If there is no fertilization, the thickened endometrium will shed and leave the body in the form of blood. Well, that's when you have your period.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, if you experience this disease, the uterine lining tissue that grows outside the uterus will also shed during menstruation.

However, the shed tissue does not come out through the vagina like normal tissue found in the uterus.

The remains of the shed endometrium will settle around the reproductive organs.

Over time, these deposits will cause inflammation, cysts, scarring, and eventually cause various disorders.

An endometriosis cyst is a type of cyst that forms when endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries (ovaries).

It contains a large liquid in the ovary, it can even wrap it.

In most cases, this condition arises from endometriosis that is not treated quickly and precisely.

That is why some women with this condition are at risk for endometriosis cysts.

Endometriosis cysts affect women for several years and can cause chronic pelvic pain associated with menstruation.

How common is this condition?

Endometriosis is a disease that often occurs in women aged 30 to 40 years.

Even so, this disease can also occur in women of any age.

This disease can be treated by reducing risk factors such as female fertility problems.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of endometriosis?

The signs and symptoms of endometriosis are pain in the lower abdomen. The degree of redness of pain can vary from woman to woman.

However, in general, this pain will usually get worse when you menstruate or have sexual intercourse.

Some women also complain of pain that radiates from the lower abdomen, back, to the legs.

Others say that the characteristics of endometriosis pain feel like cramps, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

In addition, pain due to symptoms of endometriosis can also be influenced by the location where the endometrial tissue grows.

If tissue grows in the urinary organs, you may experience problems urinating.

While the tissue grows in the intestines, you may experience digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea.

When tissue grows in the ovaries or fallopian tubes, it may lead to infertility.

If you have concerns about a particular endometriosis symptom, consult a doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Feeling pain during menstruation, even though never before.
• Daily activities are interrupted by pain.
• Feeling pain during sex.
• Pain when urinating, has blood in the urine, or can't control urine flow.
• Have fertility problems, aka not getting pregnant after trying for 12 months

Cause

What causes endometriosis?

The main cause of endometriosis is still unknown. However, it is suspected that genetic, environmental, and anatomical factors have played a role in the emergence of this condition.

Some of the conditions that are suspected to be the cause of edometriosis are:

1. Retrograde menstruation

Retrograde menstruation, or two-way menstruation, occurs when endometrial cells and tissue that should be wasted into the vagina also flow towards the cervix and fallopian tubes.

These endometrial cells attach to the pelvic walls and surfaces of the pelvic organs, grow, continue to thicken, and bleed throughout the menstrual cycle.

In many cases, retrograde menstruation is the most common cause of endometriosis.

2. Changes in embryonic cells

Embryonic cells produce cells lining the stomach and pelvic cavity.

When one or more small areas of the lining of the stomach turn into endometrial tissue, this can be the cause of endometriosis.

This condition is generally influenced by the hormone estrogen imbalance.

3. Immune system disorders

If the immune system is in trouble, it may make the body unable to recognize and destroy the endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus.

Therefore, endometriosis conditions can occur.

4. Surgical scars

If you have had surgery such as a hysterectomy or a C-section you should be more careful.

Implantation of the surgical scar that is formed can make cells stick together so that it can cause endometriosis.

5. Endometrial cell circulation

When endometrial cells are conveyed by blood vessels or tissue fluids to other parts of the body, this can be the cause of endometriosis.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of endometriosis?

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing endometriosis are:

• Never gave birth.
• One of the family members (mother, aunt, or sister) has a history of this disease.
• Menstrual blood is blocked by a medical condition.
• Have had a pelvic infection.
• Having abnormalities in the uterus.
• Have your first menstruation before you are 12 years old.
• Abnormal shapes in the uterus, cervix, or vagina that obstruct or slow down menstruation.

Can you get pregnant if you have this condition?

Endometriosis can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs. However, this condition does not always cause fertility problems.

A study conducted by the World Endometriosis Research Foundation states that 1 in 3 women with endometriosis can get pregnant normally without the help of fertility treatments at all.

However, this also depends on the severity of the endometriosis.

If it is in a sufficiently heavy stage, it can make the egg cell move so that it cannot reach the fallopian tube.

Here are some ways that women with endometriosis conditions can get pregnant quickly, such as:

• Routinely consume uterine fertility drugs after consulting a doctor first.
• Performing artificial or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
• Performing an IVF program if the condition is at a severe level.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Just like diagnosing the disease, you are asked to explain in detail the symptoms you are experiencing to the doctor. Includes the location of the pain and when the pain occurs.

In some cases, your doctor may order a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Some of the tests that doctors often do to diagnose endometriosis are:

a. Pelvic examination

In a pelvic exam, your doctor will use your hands or physical force to check for abnormalities in the pelvis. Such as a cyst on the reproductive organs or a wound behind the uterus.

b. Ultrasound

Ultrasound requires high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.

Through this tool, doctors can recognize cysts associated with edometriosis.

c. Laparoscopy.

If the above treatments cannot confirm your condition, the surgeon will recommend looking at the inside of the stomach with a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

How is endometriosis treated?

Until now, the cause of this condition is unknown, so even accurate treatment for endometriosis has yet to be determined.

The existing treatment is generally only to relieve symptoms, slow down the growth of abnormal endometrial tissue, increase fertility, and prevent recurrence of symptoms.

In general, here are some treatment options for endometriosis:

1. Take pain relievers

You can take an NSAID type pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve painful menstrual pain.

You can get these medicines without a doctor's prescription at a drug store or pharmacy.

However, it is important to note that pain relievers come in a variety of levels from medications for mild pain to severe pain relief.

The use of heavy scale pain relievers should be under the supervision of a doctor because they can have negative effects if used excessively and for a long period of time.

2. Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is sometimes effective in reducing or eliminating pain due to symptoms of this disease.

However, hormone therapy is not a permanent treatment for this condition.

Symptoms of this disease may recur after you stop treatment.

Here are some hormone therapies used to treat endometriosis:

a. Hormonal contraception

Family planning pills, patch , or the vaginal ring can help inhibit the thickening of the endometrial tissue every month.

Most women report lighter and shorter periods when using hormonal contraception.

b. Progestin therapy

Therapies that contain only progestin hormones such as contraceptive implants or injections can relieve symptoms of endometriosis.

c. Danazol

This treatment can inhibit the growth of endometrial tissue.

The trick is to block the production of ovarian stimulating hormones and relieve the symptoms of endometriosis.

However, this treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant as it can cause serious side effects that can be harmful to the fetus.

3. Endometriosis surgery

Endometriosis surgery is the last medical action if the various treatments that have been mentioned above do not work optimally.

Although surgery cannot cure this disease, at least it can control the symptoms of endometriosis that you feel.

Here are some types of endometrosis surgery:

Laparoscopic endometriosis surgery

Endometriosis surgery is the most common procedure used to diagnose or treat this disease.

Laparoscopy is performed by removing cysts or scar tissue that is in the stomach using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue.

After the operation is complete, the incision is closed with a few stitches.

The incisions are relatively small, so the effect of the laparoscopy is not much painful.

In fact, some patients can go home the same day after surgery.

Although laparoscopic surgery can help relieve it, the symptoms of endometriosis can still recur at any time.

Endometriosis surgery by removing the uterus

In severe cases, hysterectomy and oophorectomy surgery are the best treatments.

Both endometriosis surgeries involve removing the uterus.

Endometriosis surgery is only performed for women who have no plans to become pregnant again.

However, be careful with the possible risk of complications that may occur.

Therefore, always consult a doctor before you decide to do surgery.

Take into account any side effects and risks of complications.

Home remedies

What are some recommended lifestyle changes or home remedies?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with endometriosis are:

1. Pay attention to food intake

Proper food intake is one way to treat and help deal with inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis.

Try choosing vegetables and fruits instead of the red meat menu.

Vegetables and fruit contain lots of vitamins and anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene which are good for the body.

Apart from vegetables and fruit, choose a menu with a high omega-3 content, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, or eggs.

2. Exercise regularly

Often people who experience pain don't want to exercise for fear that the pain will actually get worse.

In fact, exercising regularly is a way to treat and reduce menstrual pain due to endometriosis.

Here are some of the benefits of exercise for women with endometriosis:

• Blood circulation to the organs of the body.
• Maintain nutrients and oxygen flow to the system in the body.
• Reduces stress.
• Trigger endorphins in the brain which can reduce pain.

A study shows that women who regularly do sports like jogging , aerobics, and cycling have a lower risk of developing this disease.

3. Avoid stress

The symptoms of this disease can become more severe when a person feels stressed. For that, you must learn to manage stress and inner stress.

Try using relaxation techniques that can help you focus on relaxing things that reduce the production of stress hormones.

A relaxation technique you can easily try is to take a deep breath through your nose, then slowly exhale it through your mouth.

Other techniques that can be used to relieve symptoms of endometriosis are:

• Muscle relaxation to release tension or relax muscles.
• Doing simple yoga movements can also help strengthen and stretch the pelvic and abdominal muscles.

As with any chronic condition, it is very important for a woman with this disease to get to know her own body and know how to deal with any symptoms that are being felt.

This can be started with a change in a healthier lifestyle.

If lifestyle changes have not been able to solve the problem, consult your doctor to get further tests and suitable treatment options.