When tissues similar to the ones found in the inner lining of the uterus start growing outside the reproductive organ, the condition is called Endometriosis. This tissue behaves much like the endometrial tissue - thickening, breaking down and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. However, it gets trapped without an exit from the body.
When one experiences excruciating pain along with severe or heavy menses, pain during intercourse, urination or excretion, or develops fertility problems, that’s when you know that the symptoms of Endometriosis have set in. Lesser known signs include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods. Endometriosis has also been associated with severe adhesions and ovarian cysts.
There is no sure and convincing way to diagnose Endometriosis, that looks like dark brown spots studded within the pelvis, sometimes with small blebs on a normal day. Sometimes, it may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes bouts of diarrhea, constipation and abdominal cramping.
However, it can be diagnosed through the following physical clues:
- Pelvic exam: Manually feeling areas in your pelvis for abnormalities, such as cysts on your reproductive organs or scars behind your uterus.
- Ultrasound: Using high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Using a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body, to help in surgical planning.
After a thorough investigation, the best and safest treatment methods for endometriosis may be recommended by experts. Pain medication or Hormone Therapy may sometimes do the magic. Laparoscopy, a process that involves making a tiny incision near your navel and inserting a slender viewing instrument (laparoscope) to look for signs of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, may also prove to be an effective treatment option to treat Endometriosis.
