Endometriosis
Endometriosis: Understanding the Condition and its Symptoms
Endometriosis is a medical condition where the cells that normally line the inside of the womb grow outside of the uterus, often on other pelvic organs such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. These cells behave in the same way as those inside the uterus and grow every month, often leading to bleeding during the menstrual cycle. However, as the blood from these cells has nowhere to go, it can cause pain, inflammation, and scarring on the surrounding pelvic organs, leading to a range of symptoms including severe pelvic pain, back pain, and fertility problems. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide, and proper management requires a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual.
Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Symptoms will vary depending on how sever the endometriosis is. Symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain, pain in the lower abdomen (stomach) or in the lower back
- Heavy or painful periods (menorrhagia)
- Irregular bleeding
- Fertility problems
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
If you have any of these symptoms and think that you may be suffering from endometriosis, see your GP is the first important step. They will perform diagnostic tests, such as a hysteroscopy (where they look inside your womb with a little camera) to see if endometriosis is present.
Treatment for Endometriosis
Endometriosis treatment depends on the severity of the endometriosis and if you plan to have children in the future. Your physician may recommend things such as painkillers and hormone treatment for mild cases.
In more severe cases of endometriosis, the doctor may recommend surgery.
- Laporoscopy: Doctors will use a tiny camera to look inside the womb, and will use delicate instruments to destroy patches of endometriosis. This is successful in cases of mild endometriosis and success rates are good.
- Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy is sometimes the only option in more serious cases of endometriosis. This is only when other endometriosis treatment options have been exhausted.
If you suffer from chronic endometriosis pain or pelvic pain, you can assist your muscles to relax and target pelvic pain with the pain program on the Kegel8 Ultra. The Kegel8 Ultra can be used with skin electrodes if inserting a sensor is too painful.