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Introduction
Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, Head of the Department of IVF & Fertility at Momstory by Sahyadri Hospital. Today, we’ll be discussing a very important topic—endometriosis, which has become a significant cause of infertility. Let’s first understand what endometriosis is and how it affects fertility.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. The uterus has three layers: the outermost layer (serosa), the middle muscle layer (myometrium), and the innermost layer (endometrium). The endometrium contains many blood vessels and is crucial for nourishing the embryo during pregnancy.
Every month, during menstruation, the endometrial lining sheds, and new tissue forms. However, in cases of endometriosis, this tissue doesn’t exit the body as it should. Instead, it accumulates in areas outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even other parts of the body like the lungs. When this tissue bleeds during menstruation, it causes pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The classic symptom of endometriosis is severe pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea). Many women also experience pain during intercourse and, in some cases, even during urination. These symptoms are caused by the trapped blood from the endometrial tissue, which cannot exit the body, leading to inflammation and pain.
In severe cases, the tissue may form cysts known as endometriotic cysts in the ovaries. This not only affects ovarian function but also distorts the anatomical relationship between the ovaries and fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to travel through the tubes.
How Endometriosis Causes Infertility
Endometriosis can cause infertility in several ways. The primary issue is the formation of cysts around the ovaries, which prevent them from functioning properly. The body’s defense mechanism tries to remove the trapped blood, but this can cause adhesions, where the ovaries become stuck in abnormal positions, such as behind the uterus. This misalignment disrupts the release of eggs and their journey through the fallopian tubes.
As a result, many women with endometriosis struggle to conceive. The quality of the eggs may also be affected, and in severe cases, IVF treatment may be required to achieve pregnancy.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management. Treatment can involve medications such as hormonal therapy to reduce the symptoms, or in more severe cases, laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometrial cysts. However, surgery alone may not be enough, and many women with advanced endometriosis need IVF treatment due to the damaged relationship between the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Why Endometriosis is Enigmatic
Endometriosis is often referred to as an enigmatic disease because its severity doesn’t always correlate with symptoms. Some women with severe endometriosis may have minimal pain, while others with mild endometriosis may experience excruciating discomfort. This makes diagnosis and treatment more complex, but modern medicine offers several techniques to manage and treat the condition effectively.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from endometriosis, don’t lose hope. With the right medical support, you can manage the condition and still achieve your fertility goals. Consult your gynecologist for the best treatment options. We are here to help you, and you don’t have to face this challenge alone.
