Endometriosis is a common disease affecting millions of women worldwide. It is a disease in which tissue that looks the same as the lining of the uterus grows outside it. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant.
Apart from outside the uterus, there are other areas of the body as well where endometriosis can develop. It includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, intestines, bladder, ovaries, and others.
This condition can impact your everyday life and it can start at any time i.e., starting from the first menstrual period, and can last till menopause. Therefore, it is important to understand the types of endometriosis and how one can manage or control the condition effectively.
What are the Types of Endometriosis?
Four types of endometriosis can be categorized depending on the affected pelvis area:
-
Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis
This is one of the most common types of endometriosis, in which the tissue grows on the peritoneum (a thin membrane that lines the abdomen and pelvis). It can show symptoms such as pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, and chances of infertility.
-
Ovarian Endometriomas
This can also be called Chocolate Cysts, filled with old blood similar to chocolate color. This endometriosis can develop in different sizes and can affect other parts of the pelvis or abdomen, especially the ovaries.
-
Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE)
This is the rare endometriosis type. In this, the tissue grows into the pelvic organs such as the bladder, rectum, ovaries, and bowels. Only 3% of people are affected by deep infiltrating endometriosis.
-
Extragenital Endometriosis
This is the least common endometriosis type. The tissue grows on the abdominal wall or can spread outside the pelvic area like the lungs. It may show signs depending on the location of the tissue, however, if the tissue grows on the lungs then it can show signs such as blood while coughing, or chest pain.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The main symptom of endometriosis is pain. The symptoms cannot determine the severity of the condition. Some may suffer from severe endometriosis and still may experience mild pain, and some may have mild endometriosis and can experience severe pain.
Symptoms may include:
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain during bowel movement
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in urine or stool
How to Treat Endometriosis?
Treatment of endometriosis depends on different factors such as the severity of symptoms, chances of getting pregnant, and more. Here are some of the options that can be used by the doctors to treat endometriosis:
-
Medications
Generally, doctors prioritize medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen before other treatments. These medications can help in reducing the pain during menstrual periods.
Along with medications, doctors can also recommend hormone therapy, in case you are not trying to get pregnant. Therapies may include taking birth control pills, vaginal rings, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, progestin therapy and other hormone therapy.
These hormonal therapies can prevent tissue from growing. However, these therapies are not a permanent treatment as it can develop again after the treatment is stopped.
-
Surgery
Doctors may recommend surgery if no effective result has been seen through the medication or hormonal therapy. With the help of surgery, doctors remove the endometriosis tissue.
Surgeries included to treat endometriosis are as follows:
- Laparoscopy: This surgery is done with the help of a laparoscope (a thin tube) that is inserted in the abdomen by the surgeon. This tube helps the surgeon to see, identify, and remove the endometriosis inside the body.
- Hysterectomy: In most complicated cases, the surgeon may recommend the removal of the uterus. This surgery depends on different factors such as the amount of endometriosis, scar tissue, and other uterine conditions such as adenomyosis.
-
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, can be a great option for women with endometriosis who are having trouble getting pregnant. Endometriosis can cause problems like scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes.
IVF helps by:
- Bypassing the Fallopian Tubes: Since fertilization occurs outside the body, IVF skips the fallopian tubes, which may be damaged or blocked due to endometriosis.
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Medications used in IVF stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of obtaining healthy embryos.
- Embryo Selection: IVF allows for the selection of the healthiest embryos to be transferred into the uterus, improving the likelihood of implantation and pregnancy.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of endometriosis and their respective treatments is crucial for managing this condition effectively. From medical therapies to surgical options and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, there are various ways to address the challenges posed by endometriosis.
If you’re struggling with endometriosis and its impact on your fertility, it’s essential to seek expert advice. Consult with the leading fertility doctors at Vansh IVF & Hospital in Lucknow. Our experienced team is here to provide personalized care and help you on your journey to parenthood.
📞 Book your consultation today at 740 841 5995. Let us help you take the next step towards your parenthood journey.
