WOMEN OVER 27 – DON’T IGNORE PERSISTENT INTERVALS OF PELVIC PAIN
Persistent pelvic pain could indicate underlying problems with your fertility and reproductive health
Experiencing persistent intervals of pelvic pain or having troubles conceiving? Chances are you might be suffering from Endometriosis. The condition of Endometriosis is not uncommon amongst women, and mostly causes silent signs signaling that your health might be at risk. Although, the exact cause of endometriosis has not been identified, it is often associated with pelvic pain and infertility.
Studies over recent years have identified the possible triggers of this benign yet severe condition. Medical reproductive statistics show that 30- 40% of the women worldwide affected with endometriosis can have trouble conceiving. The main reason remains unclear, although hormonal influences are speculated to be a possible cause.
What is Endometriosis and how can it be detected?
“When the lining of the interior of the uterus called endometrial tissue grows abnormally outside the uterus, the condition is called Endometriosis. Outgrowth is observed in areas such as your uterus, ovaries, tubes and on your bladder or intestines as well. This tissue can irritate structures that it touches, causing pain and adhesions (scar tissue) on these organs,” explains Dr. Gautam Allahbadia, an IVF specialist and head of the Millennium Medical Center MMC IVF, Dubai.
The benign condition, however, has a proclivity to cause infertility. It is classified into 4 stages based on the extent, depth, severity of scar tissue, and the pertinent size of the endometrial implants (lesions found in ectopic locations) in the ovaries. The stage I and II are tagged as minimal, inferring to mild scarring and implants. Type III and IV results in cysts formation and scarring that hinge on infertility and other pelvic related problems.
Self-examination precedes medical diagnosis for endometriosis. Consult your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular/ heavy menstruation, or painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Some women can even experience blotting in between the normal cycle
- Painful/bloody urination
- Painful intercourse
- Bowel irritation
The cause behind endometriosis is often observed to be hereditary. Numerous hormonal changes have been linked with the condition of endometriosis, but it is unclear as to which may contribute or which may simply result from it.
A particular or combination of symptoms can direct towards the condition. However, a thorough screening by your doctor can diagnose the condition.
Does Endometriosis reduce my chances to get pregnant?
Endometriosis is observed to be more common in infertile women, but it does not prevent you from having children of your own. Although, some women do experience problems related to conceiving, about 70 percent of women with endometriosis do not.
Endometriosis is a painful disorder that can hamper your health and sexual life. Therefore, women are urged to share their concerns with their partners, and doctor and get treated to lead fuller and healthier lives.
