What is Endometriosis?

This is a condition that affects women. It happens when there is tissue that should only be found in the uterus turns up in other parts of the body like the pelvic cavity, vagina, bladder, skin, lungs, brain or spine.

The name of this tissue is endometrial stroma and glands, and it can cause a lot of pain for a woman without regard for menstrual activities, cramps, and pain. In other words, the pain can strike at anytime. This pain can be anywhere from mild to debilitating, and when it reaches a point where the pain is hard to bear, a woman will not be able to function normally at all.

Endometriosis is also a problem not just because of the pain, but also because it can cause scarring and parts of the internal anatomy to stick together like adhesive. This is why there is the condition called “frozen pelvis.”

It will also cause infertility in almost half of the women who suffer from this condition, plus, for the women who do get pregnant, it is not uncommon for it to take as long as 12 months of trying before succeeding in getting pregnant. There are several probable causes for this, but the most known is a adhesive nature of this condition which would inhibit the egg from traveling and getting fertilized.

Endometriosis can be inherited, and studies indicate, but not conclusively, that the closer you are related to someone who has this condition, the likely is greater that you will get it, as in mother passing it on to her daughter. Furthermore, often the daughter will experience a more severe endometriosis than the mother.

It is common for women with this condition to feel hot flashes and unusual night sweats. These are symptoms of menopause and dealing with them requires shifting to healthier lifestyle - diet, exercise, hydration, and sufficient rest. It is important that certain trigger foods be avoided like caffeine, hot and spicy food, antihistamines, and alcohol.

If you think you may have endometriosis, seek at least two doctors’ opinions, and listen to what kind of treatment they will recommend to you. While waiting for their diagnosis and results from any tests they may have required, you can get a heating pad to help with the pain. Warm baths will also help because the objective is to keep the affected area relaxed and avoid cramping.

It is important that you realize that endometriosis is a condition that can take time to correct itself. Usually, it is a long-drawn out process that requires a holistic approach to treating it. You will need to adjust to the idea, keep an open mind, and listen to what the experts say, as well as those who have been, or are presently in the situation.