Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common yet misunderstood diseases, affecting 10 to15 percent of menstruating women between the ages of 24 and 40. In most cases, symptoms begin with the onset of menstruation. In other cases, symptoms progress and become worse toward menopause. The symptoms associated with endometriosis range from dysmenorrhea (pain during the menstrual cycle) to dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) to infertility. It has been found that acute pain occurs before the onset of the menstrual cycle, and can last for a day or two during the menstrual cycle, or even throughout the month.


Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

As mentioned, there is a sensation of intense pain that can be life-disrupting, to the point that it affects social relationships, work, school and the overall well-being of women. It is not uncommon for some women to experience vomiting, diarrhea, and even fainting bouts that include intense, labor-like pains. The other, less common complaints or symptoms that occur in some women are pain during urination and bowel movements and noticeable bleeding from the nose, bladder and/or bowels.

Main Risk Factor of Endometriosis

Studies have shown that the main known risk factor of endometriosis is heredity; this is because the likelihood of a sufferer's mother having endometriosis is about 8 percent and the likelihood of a sister having it is about 6 percent. It has also been noted that risk factors can be exacerbated if you have an increase or an imbalance of estrogen levels, are sedentary from an early age, eat a high-fat and processed diet and/or use intrauterine devices.

Infertility and Endometriosis

Whether endometriosis causes infertility or infertility causes endometriosis is still uncertain; yet it has been noted that tubal scarring, adhesions and unruptured follicles are common among women who suffer endometriosis and infertility complications. In most cases, the scarring and adhesions that are seen with endometriosis reveal that the ovaries and/or the fallopian tubes are not necessarily in the right position, which may impede the transfer of the egg to the fallopian tubes. In the same way, endometriosis can cause significant damage or blockage to the inside of the fallopian tube, hampering the passage of the egg down to the uterus.

Treating Endometriosis

The appropriate treatment varies in each case, but usually begins with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetaminophen and aspirin. However, this often does not seem to help; at that point, taking birth-control pills seems to be the most beneficial method of treating endometriosis. In some cases, definitive surgery is the most favorable option, while it has proved to be unhelpful in others.

Other Alternatives and Prevention of Endometriosis

While many cases of endometriosis are now treated by surgery, other alternatives and preventive measures do exist. They include stimulating the body’s inherent ability to heal by enhancing the immune system; balancing the hormones; and aiding in the liver’s ability to break down natural and environmental estrogen. It is known that certain foods buttress the body’s ability to mount a natural immune response, which aids the liver in detoxifying the hormones, excess medicines and toxins the body encounters daily. Nutrition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle play a role in the prevention of endometriosis. Studies show that women who exercise regularly and eat a diet lower in fat and sugar seem to produce less estrogen, which lessens the chance of contracting the disease.