Endometriosis is a common issue that affects women between the age of 30 and 40. According to past studies, the condition affected approximately 11% of women between 15 and 44 years living in the United States. Luckily, doctors have various options to manage the condition if it is causing you pain or interfering with your chances of getting pregnant. Book an appointment today with an Upper East Side endometriosis specialist if you develop any of the signs discussed below. Here are the causes, symptoms, and additional useful information regarding endometriosis:
Table of Contents
What causes endometriosis?
Doctors have not yet established the cause of endometriosis, but some factors are suggested to be a cause. They include:
- Genetics: If there has been a history of endometriosis in your family, it is wise that you look out for the symptoms to begin early treatment.
- Immune system issues: You can develop endometriosis if there is a problem with your body’s natural defense. This means that the immune system cannot protect you from infections and illnesses.
- Retrograde menstruation: Normally, the womb lining is supposed to leave your body as the monthly menstruation. Endometriosis develops when some of the linings pass through the fallopian to embed themselves on the neighboring organs.
- Surgical scar implantation: When patients undergo a C-section or hysterectomy, they may have endometrial cells attaching themselves to the incision area, which could result in a severe condition.
- Embryonic cell transformation: Hormone estrogen and others could transform embryonic cells into endometrial cells early in their development stage.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
- Pain during sex: Pain during intercourse is a symptom that you might be having growth issues. You must seek medical attention to determine the exact cause of your discomfort.
- Painful periods: It is usual for women to experience discomforts during their monthly periods. However, cramping that begins before and persists for days may be a sign that there is a condition in your reproductive system. This might also be accompanied by abdominal and lower back pain.
- Excessive bleeding: Occasionally, patients with this condition may have periods that last longer than usual or bleeding in between periods. When this happens on more than one occasion, get medical attention to examine your issue.
- Infertility: endometriosis is known to cause infertility. Therefore, you should be checked for the condition if you have gone for a while without conceiving even after unprotected sex.
- Painful urination: Painful urination mostly comes hand in hand with discomfort during a bowel movement.
- Other symptoms: Patients with endometriosis often experience diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and constipation. These symptoms are more significant during menstruation periods.
Treatment
Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before you seek treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to manage your condition. Endometriosis ranges from mild pain to severe discomforts that affect your everyday routine. It is also advised that you talk to a doctor even with mild symptoms because they are easily confused with other conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or irritable bowel syndrome. For consultation and treatment, book an appointment with New York Fertility Institute.
