Learn more about the warning signs and treatment options
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue grows outside of the uterus. Often painful, the medical condition can affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and tissue in the pelvic area.
Pain and discomfort are common during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Fertility issues can also be caused by endometriosis.
Thankfully, there are effective treatment strategies that can help relieve the pain and discomfort. However, it’s always best to start treatment when the condition first develops. So, what are Endometriosis warning signs and how can you treat the condition?
Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis warning signs often differ, every woman is unique. You may experience painful periods while someone else is struggling with constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.
Here are some of the common Endometriosis warning signs you should pay attention to.
- Painful menstrual cycles. Cramping and pelvic pain that lasts for days before, during, and after your menstrual period. Some women also suffer from pain in their lower back. Abdominal pain is also common.
- Intercourse is painful. Discomfort during and/or after sex.
- Pain during urination or with bowel movements. These symptoms are most common during your menstrual cycle.
- Excessively heavy bleeding. Menstrual periods are heavier than normal. You may also experience bleeding between cycles.
Infertility isn’t common but can occur if Endometriosis isn’t treated and managed. Other symptoms can include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea. These symptoms are more common before or during menstrual periods.
If you experience any of these Endometriosis warning signs, it’s best to speak with your physician immediately. The sooner you start treating the condition, the less severe symptoms typically are.
Treating Endometriosis
Treatment options for Endometriosis typically involve medications and/or surgery. The severity of your symptoms often determines the best treatment option.
Hormone therapy can help ease Endometriosis pain by helping to regulate your hormones before, during, and after experiencing your menstrual cycle.
Your therapy may include one or a combination of the following,
- Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, shots, patches, and vaginal rings.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists. These medicines block the menstrual cycle and lower estrogen levels. This causes endometriosis tissue to shrink.
- Progestin therapy. This lab-produced hormone can help slow the growth of endometriosis tissue by halting your menstrual periods.
- Aromatase inhibitors. This medication can lower estrogen levels thought to be a cause of Endometriosis. This type of treatment is often combined with hormonal supplements like progestin or birth control pills.
Surgery is another treatment option, though most women try one of the above therapies first. You can undergo surgery to remove the tissue growth. This will preserve your fertility while helping to reduce the pain and discomfort.
If Endometriosis is affecting your ability to become pregnant. Your physician may place you on a fertility treatment plan. This can include medications that stimulate the ovaries’ production of viable eggs.
When the pain is excruciating, your physician may recommend a hysterectomy. While an effective treatment option for Endometriosis, this type of surgery is typically used as a last resort.
If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your pelvic area, especially during your menstrual cycle, talk to your physician today.
