Endometriosis is not just bad period pain. It’s a real health problem that can make daily life hard and cause health issues over time. If you have bad pelvic pain that you can’t explain, very heavy periods, and feel tired all the time, learning what is endometriosis could be the first step to feeling better. Let’s learn about the early warning signs, symptoms, and endometriosis treatment in Abu Dhabi.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue lining from the endometrium the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This misplaced tissue is found on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or on the tissue lining the pelvis. It can even form on other organs like the bowel and/or bladder.
Even though this tissue is in the wrong place, it still acts like normal uterine lining. During your monthly cycle, it gets thicker, then breaks apart and bleeds – just like a regular period. But since this tissue is trapped inside your body with nowhere to go, it causes pain and swelling.
What Are The Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis symptoms can differ in individuals. The symptoms are:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Menstrual cramps
- Fatigue and bloating
- Infertility
Some patients with mild endometriosis can have no symptoms, while others with advanced endometriosis can have severe symptoms.
Signs of Endometriosis and How to Spot Them
- Pain during or after sex
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding before and after periods
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, bloating, or diarrhea
- Low back and abdominal pain surrounding your menstrual cycle
Many of these signs of endometriosis are seen as ‘normal’ and can hinder timely treatment.
Endometriosis Pain: Types, Locations, and Duration
Pain from endometriosis differs in individuals. Some describe it as stabbing, others as a deep, throbbing ache. You might feel it in your lower belly, back, or legs. It can come and go or linger for days, and it often gets worse around your period or ovulation.
Endometriosis Symptoms after Menopause
Even after periods stop, symptoms of endometriosis can hang around. This is especially true for women using hormone therapy. You might still feel pelvic discomfort, pressure, or bloating—so if things don’t feel quite right, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.
What Causes Endometriosis and Who Is at Risk?
Primary Causes and Risk Factors
The specific causes of endometriosis are still under discussion. Possible explanations are retrograde menstruation (where menstrual blood goes backward into the pelvis), immune system problems, and balance problems with hormones.
Some of the endometriosis causes are: bleeding early, having short cycles, high levels of estrogen compared to normal values, and a family history are all risk factors, too.
Can Endometriosis Cause Weight Gain or Bloating?
Bloating, commonly known as “endo belly,” may occur in some individuals suffering from endometriosis. This type of bloating can be both severe and painful. Some hormonal imbalance conditions and some treatments may lead to fluid retention or weight gain in certain people.
Is Endometriosis Genetic or Hormonal?
There is evidence suggesting that endometriosis may have a genetic component. If someone in your immediate family has the condition, your chances may increase. High estrogen levels also greatly affect how the disease develops and progresses; therefore, it is also regarded as one of the important factors.
How to Know If You Have Endometriosis
In case you encounter issues like painful periods, chronic fatigue, or tummy problems together with digestive issues, track if they persist over a long time period. If these symptoms disrupt your daily activities, this could signal the detection of endometriosis.
Can Endometriosis Lumps Be Felt Externally?
In most cases, no. Endometriosis lumps or lesions are not externally visible. However, some severe cases form cysts (endometriomas) that can be felt during pelvic examinations.
Common Early Signs You May Not Be Aware of
Unexplained pelvic pain, discomfort while urinating or having a bowel movement, as well as hormonal shifts, including the mood changes during menstruation, are not commonly associated with the early stages of endometriosis.
Getting Diagnosed: How Do Gynecologists Look For Endometriosis?
Medical History And Imaging Examination
Diagnosis begins with taking a detailed history and performing a physical exam. Routine ultrasounds and MRIs are done to look for ovarian cysts or other structural abnormalities, but imaging is not able to visualize all endometriosis lesions.
Laparoscopy: The Best Method of Diagnosis
The most effective method to confirm endometriosis is laparoscopic, where a small camera is inserted into the abdomen through a minimally invasive procedure.
Can You Get Pregnant with Endometriosis? What to Know
How Does Endometriosis Impact Conception?
Having endometrial tissue outside the uterus contributes to more complications in conceiving a child due to inflammation, which may damage eggs or sperm or misplace pelvic structures, hindering implantation.
On a brighter note, there is good news: most women enduring these challenges still manage to get pregnant at the same time.
Supportive Endometriosis Treatments for Pregnancy
Endometriosis treatment options include IVF, fertility treatments, hormone therapy, and laparoscopic surgery to remove lesions. Endometriosis pregnancy complications are manageable with the right treatment.
Treating Endometriosis Pain and Improving Quality of Life
How to Help Endometriosis Pain Naturally and Medically
- Utilize heating pads, gentle bath soaks, or even consider pelvic massages.
- Gentle exercise has also been shown to have great benefits, as well as an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Some medications, such as NSAIDs, may provide relief and are used for discomfort management.
It is common to see prescriptions for hormonal therapies, including birth control zones or GnRH agonists.
Endometriosis Medication and Other Treatments
Endometriosis treatments are based on a person’s lifestyle and severity of the pain. Treatment types include:
- Menstrual cycle suppression by hormone therapy.
- Pain management treatment.
- Laparoscopy for excisional surgery of implants.
- In severe cases, hysterectomy may be considered
Advanced medical care combined with cutting-edge technology offers effective endometriosis relief for patients seeking treatment in Abu Dhabi.
When to See a Doctor?
If your pain is affecting your sleep, work, or mental health, it’s time to see a gynecologist. You deserve to feel good in your body again. The sooner endometriosis diagnosis happens, the sooner you can start feeling better, and if you’re looking for endometriosis treatment in Abu Dhabi, know that advanced care is available.
A Note from Al Hosn Medical Centre
Living with endometriosis can be challenging, and at times, you may feel like no one understands how you feel. But you are not alone, and you do not have to go through this journey by yourself.
At Al Hosn Medical Centre, we will be with you every step of the way. Our compassionate team of specialists is available to listen, direct, and support you in searching for treatment options that are right for you.
Keep asking questions. Keep taking care of yourself. And remember, healing is easier when you have the right people by your side.
FAQs
What causes endometriosis?
The primary reason is unknown, but it could be due to retrograde menstruation, hormonal changes, or even genetics. Certain individuals may be predisposed because of their genetic profile.
Can endometriosis cause weight gain?
Hormonal therapies can lead to temporary weight gain, bloating, swelling, and water retention. These changes are inflammatory and do not signify an increase in body fat percentage.
How to check for endometriosis?
Doctors often start with pelvic exams, ultrasounds, or MRIs. Laparoscopy is considered the gold standard since it’s a small surgical procedure through which doctors can visually confirm the diagnosis within the body.
How to test for Endometriosis?
While laparoscopy is often considered the best test because it uses a camera system to check for endometrial tissue within the abdomen, some practitioners prefer ultrasound or MRI, as these imaging modalities may not provide clear visualization of the tissues involved, which can aid in a definitive diagnosis.
How to prevent endometriosis?
There’s no proven way to prevent it. However, maintaining hormone levels, regular exercise, and prompt attention to treating early symptoms may help mitigate the chances of developing endometriosis-related complications.
What does endometriosis feel like?
The discomfort usually manifests as severe cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen. Pain is a common symptom during menstruation, sexual activity, and can even occur while resting or engaging in routine tasks.
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Speak with a physician if you experience very painful menstruation, chronic fatigue, and difficulty conceiving. These symptoms, while commonplace for many women, could signal underlying issues of endometriosis that warrant further investigation.
What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?
In addition to painful periods, tiredness, bloating, obesity, and unusually heavy bleeding, coupled with pain when having sex, are some other signs too. Pain in the pelvic region is felt by some women even when they are not on their menses.
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes! Many women do get pregnant easily, although it is hard for a few others. Endometriosis sometimes makes getting pregnant more challenging than usual for women. In such cases, doctors tend to suggest some treatments aimed at relaxation and enhancement to augment chances.
Can you feel endometriosis lumps from the outside?
No, you cannot feel them from the outside. The tissue grows around organs in your body, which may cause some pressure or swelling, but not actual lumps underneath the skin.
How to help manage endometriosis pain?
Changing your diet, resting, and doing light exercises such as walking can help reduce pain. Over-the-counter medication, hormone therapy from a physician, and applying heat pads are also effective ways to manage inflammation and soreness.
How do gynecologists examine for endometriosis?
They inquire about your symptoms, focusing on pelvic pain, then order imaging tests such as ultrasounds or laparoscopies. Laparoscopy provides a clearer view of the pelvis, allowing for tissue biopsies to confirm endometriosis.
What are the signs of endometriosis after menopause?
Cramping, bloating, and pelvic discomfort may persist due to old remnants of surgically removed tissues, exacerbated by hormone therapies persisting post-menopause.
How long does endometriosis pain last?
Pain varies widely; it might come and go over several hours to days. Some individuals experience discomfort exclusively during menstruation, while others have constant intermittent discomfort throughout the month.
What are the treatments for endometriosis pain?
Hormonal therapy, a hot water bottle, a gentle anti-inflammatory diet, and some gentle exercises could help. For better long-term relief, it is best to consult a doctor for customized plans to alleviate pain.
