The tissues can develop anywhere in the body, but it can affect several areas, such as the ovaries, tissues supporting the uterus, outside of the uterus, and fallopian tubes. Endometriosis has a number of causes and can be challenging to diagnose.
In this blog post, we will discuss endometriosis in detail, focussing more on its types, symptoms, and causes. We will also shed light on the options available for endometriosis treatment in Mumbai.
What are the Different Types of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is typically characterized by the presence of endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). There are three subtypes of endometriosis, with the majority of cases found within the abdominal cavity. The three types of endometriosis are as follows:
- Pelvic Endometriosis: Endometrial-like tissue grows along the walls of the abdomen. This is what causes about 80% of endometriosis.
- Ovarian Endometriosis: These appear as abnormal growths caused by the development of endometrial tissues inside the ovary.
- Deep infiltrating Endometriosis: This is a severe type of endometriosis. In this type, the lesions penetrate deep inside the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis?
The common signs of endometriosis are as follows:
Pain is one of the most frequent signs of endometriosis. This can include:
- Experiencing pain during or after sex
- Painful periods
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Pain when passing stool
Other symptoms include:
- Bowel problems
- Bladder problems
- Bloating at the time of the menstrual cycle
- Discomfort in vagina
If you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, you must seek medical help right away. You can visit a prominent gynaecologist in Mumbai, such as Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital, who holds the Guinness World Record for removing a 4.1kg uterus laparoscopically.
What are the Causes of Endometriosis?
Nobody knows what causes endometriosis, and it isn't widely understood. It is thought that retrograde menstruation is the cause of endometriosis in roughly 90% of women.
- Retrograde menstruation: Most of the blood and uterine lining comes out of the woman's cervix and into her vagina during each menstrual cycle. But for some women, part of this tissue goes into the pelvis through the fallopian tubes instead of the vagina. Some women have endometriosis because they can not get rid of these cells from the pelvis.
Below are some of the factors that influence whether lesions or implants persist in pelvic activity:
- Genetic Factors: Endometriosis tends to run in families, which is a genetic component. Therefore, individuals with a family history of endometriosis are at an increased risk of acquiring the condition.
- Hormones: Treating endometriosis mostly involves lowering estrogen levels, which seem to exacerbate the condition.
- Difficulties With Immune System: Endometriosis can develop in some women because their immune systems are not strong enough to identify and eliminate endometrial tissue that has spread beyond the uterus. Women who have endometriosis are at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and immune system diseases.
- Surgery: It is also likely for the endometrial tissue to be found in abdominal scars. It is possible that during any abdominal surgery, such as a C-section or hysterectomy, the endometrial tissues of the patient are picked up and moved unintentionally.
How is Endometriosis Treated?
Endometriosis can be either treated with medications or with surgery. Out of these two, which one the doctor chooses depends on how severe the symptoms are and whether the woman thinks of becoming pregnant in the future. Below are effective treatment options offered by the expert cosmetic gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital.
- Pain Medications: A gynaecologist may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These provide relief in case of menstrual cramps.
- Hormone Therapy: During the menstrual cycle, the hormonal imbalance causes endometrial implants to break down and bleed. The gynaecologist provides supplementary hormones that help in slowing endometrial growth, prevent the formation of new implants, and reduce pain.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Vaginal rings and birth control pills help in controlling the hormones that are responsible for building endometrial tissues. Hormonal contraceptives can make the menstrual flow lighter as well as shorter.
- Progestin Therapy: In order to alleviate the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, a number of progestin treatments, such as an intrauterine device containing levonorgestrel, a contraceptive implant, a contraceptive injection, or a progestin tablet, can stop menstruation and the formation of endometrial implants.
- Aromatase Inhibitors: This helps in reducing the amount of estrogen, and doctors recommend these along with a combination of hormonal contraceptives or progestin for treating endometriosis.
- Conservative Surgery: The doctor performs this procedure laparoscopically or by performing abdominal surgery.
- Fertility Treatment: Endometriosis can lead to difficulty in conceiving. In such a scenario, fertility treatment is recommended.
- Hysterectomy Along With Removal of Ovaries: For treating endometriosis, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can sometimes be used specifically for those who do not wish to become pregnant.
Consult the expert gynaecologist in Mumbai for Endometriosis Treatment
If you are looking for a skilled gynaecologist in Mumbai to treat your endometriosis, you should visit Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. The expert doctor will advise the patient to get a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, or a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, and then she will recommend the best treatment option. For more details, get in touch with her today.
