Myths about endometriosis

is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue in the pelvic region and (rarely) elsewhere in the body. Endometriosis can start with a woman's first menstruation and can last up to. Article content\n \n \n . ro or from the SfatulMedicului mobile application (iOS, Android)\n . Several types of lesions have been described:\r\n.

Endometriosis encompasses a wide range of symptoms, from severe to fatigue, depression and anxiety. The cause of endometriosis is not fully known at the moment, possible explanations include:\r\n\r\n. In retrograde menstruation, menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body. These endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and the surfaces of the pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed during each menstrual cycle. .

• Transformation of peritoneal cells. In what's known as the \. • Embryonic cell transformation. Hormones like estrogen can turn embryonic cells—cells in the early stages of development—into endometrial-like cell implants during puberty. .

• Insemination of surgical scars. After surgery, such as a hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells can attach to a surgical incision. • Transport of endometrial cells. Blood vessels or the lymphatic system can carry endometrial cells to other parts of the body. • Disorder of the immune system.

A problem with the immune system can make the body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus. Myth 1: Symptoms of endometriosis are only severe menstrual pain. Pain from endometriosis can be very intense. Endometrial lesions can develop throughout the pelvic region and elsewhere, including the ovaries, intestine, and rectum. .

Other symptoms of endometriosis may include:\r\n\r\n . Myth 2: Endometriosis causes infertility. Although endometriosis can cause problems in getting pregnant, it does not cause problems in all people who face it. According to the Australian Department of Health's National Endometriosis Action Plan, up to one in three women with endometriosis will have some fertility problems. .

Talk to a specialist doctor if you have endometriosis and are worried about your fertility, so that he can adapt a plan based on your specific needs. Myth 3: Pregnancy will cure endometriosis\r\n. Pregnancy can sometimes temporarily relieve symptoms, due to hormonal changes and because women do not menstruate during pregnancy. Some women find that their symptoms lessen after they go through pregnancy. Others face the same symptoms or a worsening of them.

Myth 4: Severe menstrual pain is normal. Many girls and women, from their teens to their 30s and 40s, may think that severe menstrual pain is normal, but this is simply not true. . Menstrual pain should be considered \. If you experience severe menstrual pain that prevents you from participating in daily activities such as school or work, see a doctor for advice.

Myth 5: A mild pain means that your condition is not serious. Mild symptoms do not necessarily indicate that no damage is occurring. A woman with extensive endometriosis may have no symptoms, while a woman with minimal endometriosis may have severe symptoms. . Myth 6: Endometriosis affects women only one or two days a month.

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, so it can present symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle and can affect women in different ways. Some women may feel pain most days, while for others it may appear and disappear; . In addition to pain in the lower abdomen, women can also have pain in the back and thighs, in the rectal area and can even have nerve pain, depending on where the lesions caused by endometriosis are formed. . Sexual activity can also be painful.

Bloating, bowel and bladder problems, fatigue and headaches are also experienced by women with endometriosis. Endometriosis can also affect personal and intimate relationships, as well as the ability to study and work. A study conducted by Monash University found a strong link between endometriosis and feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. It is important to seek help if you feel sad or anxious, or if you have difficulties maintaining a good relationship, professional or social life. Myth 7: Endometriosis can be diagnosed easily.

Many women may feel that their symptoms are not severe enough to seek medical advice, or that their symptoms may be mixed, making diagnosis difficult. On average, the diagnosis of endometriosis lasts between 8 and 10 years. If you consult a doctor and do not feel that your concerns are satisfied, consult another doctor for a second opinion. Myth 8: Tampons can cause endometriosis. It's not clear where this myth came from, but it may have started because endometriosis has been linked to retrograde menstruation - a condition where menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes instead of leaving the body through the vagina.

. Tampons block menstrual blood flow, but then absorb it instead of sending it back into the body. The researchers tested the theory of a link between tampons and endometriosis and found that tampon use was the same in women with and without endometriosis. . Myth 9: Endometriosis always improves after menopause.

Although the symptoms of endometriosis most often appear during menstruation, for some women they last long after the end of the monthly cycles. Even after a woman goes through menopause, the ovaries continue to produce small amounts of estrogen. Endometriosis growths may continue to respond to the hormone, causing pain. So, although the symptoms of endometriosis improve in many women, menopause does not bring relief for all. Some women who have gone through menopause may opt for surgery to remove endometriosis implants or adhesions, or even hysterectomy and ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries).

. However, these procedures do not always manage to control the pain. Hormonal therapies also seem to be less effective in the case of menopausal women. Myth 10: High estrogen levels cause endometriosis. High estrogen levels have not been shown to cause endometriosis.

However, drugs that block estrogen can help relieve symptoms. Additionally, research suggests that while high estrogen levels may not cause endometriosis, estrogen and its receptors may play a role in the processes scientists associate with the condition. . Myth 11: Birth control pills can cure endometriosis. Although birth control pills do not cure endometriosis, they can help reduce symptoms due to suppression of ovulation and menstruation.

. Nothing cures endometriosis, but birth control pills treat endometriosis by balancing hormones and preventing bleeding. . So, they are a good treatment, but not a cure. Other medications used to treat endometriosis include pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In addition, in 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, a drug that can help treat pain associated with endometriosis. . Myth 12: Abortion causes endometriosis. Although the exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, it seems that there is a genetic link. There is no evidence that abortion causes endometriosis.

Myth 13: A hysterectomy can cure endometriosis. According to a study involving 137 women with endometriosis who underwent a hysterectomy, 84% of the participants were satisfied with the results obtained after the operation. However, although a hysterectomy can improve endometriosis symptoms for many people, the condition can recur after surgery. . Symptoms may also continue if there are endometrial lesions still present outside the uterus.

Endometriosis responds to estrogen, which is produced by the ovaries. A hysterectomy usually removes the uterus and not the ovaries. Therefore, this intervention would not cure endometriosis. There are different types of endometriosis, from lesions that are only on the surface to those that invade the intestine and other organs. This type is called deep infiltrative endometriosis.

These lesions will probably not improve even if your ovaries are removed (by ovariectomy) or if your estrogen hormones are suppressed. A careful history of menstrual symptoms and chronic pelvic pain provides the basis for suspecting endometriosis. Although several screening tools and tests have been proposed and tested, none are currently validated to accurately identify or predict individuals or populations that are most likely to have the disease. Endometriosis can often present symptoms that mimic other conditions and contribute to a delay in diagnosis. Ovarian endometrioma, adhesions and deep nodular forms of the disease often require ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be detected.

Histological verification, usually after surgical/laparoscopic visualization, can be useful in confirming the diagnosis, especially for the most common superficial lesions. There is no known way to prevent endometriosis. There is no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with drugs or, in some cases, with surgery. If you present symptoms that could be caused by endometriosis or you have already been diagnosed with this pathology, consult your gynecologist for more information and medical recommendations. There is no clearly understood cause for endometriosis, so there is currently no known way to prevent it.

. Certain measures to help lower estrogen levels in the body can reduce the risk, according to the US Office on Women's Health. Estrogen can fuel the growth of endometriosis and amplify symptoms. You can lower your estrogen levels by choosing a contraceptive method with a lower estrogen level, losing weight if you're overweight, and exercising regularly. .

Endometriosis has no cure, which is why we recommend you focus on managing your symptoms. Here are some remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of endometriosis:\r\n. Scientists believe that women with endometriosis produce more prostaglandins. has many functions in the body, including making the uterus contract during menstruation to help clear the uterine lining. Pain relievers such as NSAIDs are most effective when taken before the prostaglandins are released (a few days before you expect period or endometriosis pain).

. For extreme pain, medications prescribed by a doctor can provide a greater level of symptom relief. Use heat to combat pain. It may seem simple, but a little heat can help relieve the pain caused by endometriosis. When you use heat therapy, the blood vessels dilate, promoting blood flow and helping the muscles to relax.

. You can try using hot compresses, heat patches or take a hot bath to relieve your pain. . Make sure you never use extreme heat as it could cause burns. Change your diet.

Studies indicate a link between diet and endometriosis. Diets high in animal products and red meat can increase estrogen production, which can cause abnormal tissue growth. To improve life with endometriosis, choose a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts and flaxseeds. You should also avoid processed foods and foods that contain trans fats. It could be beneficial to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Maintain an active lifestyle. During sports, the body produces less estrogen and blood circulation increases. Exercise also releases endorphins in the brain, which can reduce pain sensations. Both high-intensity and low-intensity exercises help endometriosis. Strenuous sports activities, such as running, aerobics or cycling, reduce symptoms.

Low-intensity activities, such as pilates or yoga, help reduce stress and manage pelvic pain. Learn about chronic pain management. Chronic pain from endometriosis can interfere with everyday life. This can cause feelings of stress, anxiety, and insomnia, which in turn can amplify physical pain. Chronic pain management techniques can help you feel better mentally and ease your pain.

Your gynecologist can refer you to a specialist in the treatment of chronic pain. Some techniques include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, meditation and practicing good sleep hygiene. Consider hormone therapy. Hormone therapy eases the symptoms of the menstrual cycle, reducing the pain and inflammation often experienced with endometriosis. It can also help slow the growth of endometrial tissue, prevent new growth, and reduce pain associated with endometriosis.

. There are many considerations before undergoing hormone therapy, therefore it is important to consult your gynecologist to check if you are eligible to benefit from this therapy. Discuss surgical options with your doctor\r\n. Hormone therapy can also slow growth and help reduce pain. However, none of these treatments will cure existing endometriosis.

Minimally invasive surgery that removes endometrial tissue from outside the uterus is the only way to treat the underlying cause of endometriosis. it can cause you to have long-term (chronic) pain, heavy periods and difficulty getting pregnant. You can manage these symptoms by working with your gynecologist. There are treatment options that can help you improve your daily life and manage your endometriosis long-term. .

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