ENDOMETRIOSIS AND ADENOMYOSIS | Find Answers To All Your Questions

Did you know that at present over 25 million women in India suffer from Endometriosis?  Even though this condition is so widespread, women often know little to nothing about it due to the widespread taboo surrounding women’s reproductive health. In recent times, we are seeing an increase in awareness regarding endometriosis thanks to the voice and importance given to reproductive health, sadly however endometriosis remains a matter of shame. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about endometriosis and adenomyosis, its symptoms, and things to keep in mind.

Do You Know What Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition wherein a particular tissue, originally present in the uterus known as the endometrium lining starts to exhibit unusual patterns and grow over the ovaries, vagina, and even the rectum. Endometriosis is the growth of endometrium outside the uterine cavity or myometrium (endometriotic implants), usually in the peritoneal cavity. This condition can be extremely painful for women with symptoms such as cramping, painful sexual intercourse, and so on.

Endometriosis may occur in four stages based on the severity. Stage I is where it is minimal with the implants being shallow. Stage II is mild with implants being a little deeper. Stage III is moderate where there might even be endometrial cysts and finally, Stage IV might show large cysts and dense adhesions.

Adenomyosis

Similar to endometriosis, in Adenomyosis, the endometrium lining grows to be thick within the uterus and can break through the muscle wall of the uterus causing heavy bleeding, cramping, and so on.

Understanding The Difference : Endometriosis & Adenomyosis

Although by the face of it the two conditions may appear to be the same, they are different.  In endometriosis, the lining found in the uterus starts to grow outside of it along with the ovaries, rectum, and so on whereas in adenomyosis on the other hand in adenomyosis the lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.

Knowing The Symptoms

In a lot of cases, the presence of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis may go unnoticed but by keeping yourself aware of the preliminary symptom, you will be able to detect it at the earliest. Given below are some of the most frequently experienced symptoms of endometriosis

• Chronic abdomen pain
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Pain during penetration
• Nausea and Constipation
• Heavy bleeding
• Infertility

Adenomyosis

Most of the symptoms of Adenomyosis are similar to endometriosis, the most common being

• Irregular menstruation
• Heavy bleeding and occasional spotting
• Blood clots during menstruation
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Abdominal pain

Getting Pregnant with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis – Possible?

Contrary to common belief, you can get pregnant even if you have endometriosis and adenomyosis. As already seen from the symptoms, infertility can arise as a result of the condition as the lining growth tends to affect the ovaries. As we are already aware, for conception to take place the egg needs to travel from the ovaries via the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it can fertilize. However, with endometriosis or adenomyosis that causes inflation, there is a high risk of damage to the egg or sperm and additionally, an egg may not be able to successfully travel via the fallopian tubes. This may cause difficulties while trying to get pregnant.

It is no doubt that endometriosis and adenomyosis can cause difficulties while trying to conceive, however, it is not impossible. Although there is no clear cut treatment for the condition, progesterone intake can help. Lifestyle changes aimed at reducing inflammation can also help increase the chances of conception. At Fertility Dost, our range of programs is aimed at helping women overcome issues such as PCOS, endometriosis via a holistic approach.

A clean diet combined with physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help you manage the symptoms and help with conception. Thanks to technological advancements, there are several options for women who are unable to conceive naturally such as getting a surrogate or IVF or mini IVF.  With a good amount of planning, you too will be able to conceive, it is best to consider and discuss all options with your doctor.

Thinking Of Alternatives

As already discussed, women are at higher risks of miscarriage while going in for a natural pregnancy however this does not mean that you will not be able to conceive. There are several alternatives to choose from that will help you conceive if you suffer from endometriosis or adenomyosis. Some of the common options include:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is perhaps one of the most popular techniques to help with conception. IVF improves the chance of fertilization and is especially beneficial for women with stage 3 or 4 of endometriosis or women above the age of 35.  IVF success rates might be higher for women with endometriosis as opposed to natural pregnancy and can be considered as a viable option.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Similar to IVF, this calls for the assistance of external factors to facilitate fertilization. In IUI, the sperm Is placed directly into the uterus which can prevent the sperm from getting damaged as a result of the endometrium lining growth. This treatment is typically recommended for women with stage 1or 2 endometriosis.

Looking Ahead – Treatment

Just like conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic conditions that cannot be completely cured, however, there are treatment options to help manage symptoms. Please be sure to consult a doctor before considering any treatment option as everybody is different.

Hormone Therapy

Hormonal mediation in the form of Hormonal contraceptives,  progestin therapy, and Aromatase inhibitors can all work by regulating estrogen levels in the body resulting in lesser painful and more regular menstrual cycles.

Surgery

Surgery works by removing endometrial implants from the ovaries. This is usually opted for by women trying to conceive naturally and it might also help relieve certain symptoms such as pain and irregular cycles.

Hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries

Removal of the uterus (Hysterectomy) along with the removal of ovaries can help women with pain. Removal of the ovaries automatically results in menopause. Removal of the uterus can help treat symptoms such as cramping and abdominal pain.

There are several treatment options that may or may not be viable for you, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any decision. Do not self-prescribe treatments as they might have adverse effects.

Fertility Dost is India’s leading platform for infertility. Our range of programs offers a holistic approach to all your problems via nutrition, yoga, Ayurveda, and emotional wellness. If you are looking to find a solution to your problems and be a part of a community, then contact us today to book your first free consultation call!