Endometriosis is a painful gynaecological condition that affects approximately one in every ten women of childbearing age, according to statistics. Despite the fact that there is no known cause of endometriosis, certain factors increase a woman’s risk of developing it in the future.
Having a family member with the disease, starting your period before the age of 11, never having given birth, and having menstrual cycles that are long and heavy are all risk factors. When it comes to women, the condition primarily impacts those in their 30s and 40s, and it generally subsides once they reach menopause. Despite the fact that there is no cure for endometriosis, there are several treatment options available to women.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that does not resolve on its own. The pain and other symptoms you are experiencing will persist unless and until you receive treatment. It is possible that your symptoms will worsen in some cases.
In addition to pelvic pain, endometriosis is associated with infertility, which is another common complication. Approximately half of all women who have endometriosis have difficulty becoming pregnant. There are a variety of treatment options available to help people overcome infertility and other symptoms. Furthermore, those who have endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than those who do not have the condition.
It is important to note that the treatment options for endometriosis are dependent on the symptoms and severity of the condition, as well as whether or not you wish to become pregnant. Hormonal therapy, pain relief, and surgical intervention are all options. In addition, a fertility specialist can provide you with additional fertility treatments that are tailored to your specific needs.
If my diagnosed endometriosis is not treated, the following complications may occur:
Obstruction of the small intestine
Endometriosis can cause uterine tissue to proliferate in the intestines in anywhere from 3 to 37 percent of women who have the condition, depending on the severity of the condition. In extremely rare instances, the tissue can cause bleeding and scarring, which can result in intestinal obstruction and perforation (blockage of the intestine). A small bowel obstruction can result in symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and difficulty passing gas or stool, among other things.
A bowel obstruction, if left untreated, can cause pressure to build up in the abdomen, potentially leading to a bowel perforation (a hole in the bowel). A blockage can also result in a reduction in blood flow to the intestines. Both have the potential to be fatal.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube, causing the woman to become pregnant. This has the potential to cause the fallopian tube to rupture, which could result in internal bleeding. Several studies have found that women with endometriosis are more likely than non-endometriosis women to experience an ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, mild pelvic cramping that occurs on only one side of the pelvis, and low back pain on one side of the pelvis.
Endometriosis can have a negative impact on your mental health.
You will be aware if you have endometriosis that manifests in severe symptoms that it is a debilitating and life-changing condition, with women frequently undergoing numerous operations and experiencing difficulty conceiving as a result. If endometriosis is left untreated, it can have a significant negative impact on your mental health, which is exacerbated by the fact that there are few external signs of the pain and impact of the condition. People around you, including employers and managers, may find it difficult to comprehend what you are going through, which may lead to them being less sympathetic to your plight. If left untreated, it can have a negative impact on your mental health to the point where you may be experiencing anxiety or depression. If you believe you may be experiencing these symptoms, consult with your doctor.
Is endometriosis fatal if left untreated?
Endometriosis does not yet have a cure, but treatments can help manage the condition. You could be putting your health at risk if you don’t get treatment. While they are unlikely to be fatal, they can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Untreated endometriosis can lead to a variety of complications, including:
Pain that lasts for a long time. Endometriosis can cause pain in the areas it affects as well as in other parts of the body. Endometriosis treatment may help to alleviate this discomfort.
Infertility. Endometriosis affects 30 to 50 percent of infertile women.
Cysts in the ovaries. Pelvic pain, sex pain, and heavy or irregular periods are all possible side effects.
Urinary incontinence. If your bladder is affected by endometriosis, you may experience these symptoms.
Endometriosis treatment can help to reduce the chances of these complications occurring. Consult a doctor about possible complications and how to avoid them.
Endometriosis treatment
The symptoms of endometriosis can be treated with a combination of home care, medications, and surgery. Treatment options are usually determined by the severity of your symptoms.
Medication
To relieve pain and swelling, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). They may also prescribe hormones, such as hormonal birth control pills, to help manage endometriosis-related pain and bleeding. Another option is to use a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD).
Talk to your doctor about gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists if you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant. These drugs cause a menopause-like effect that can prevent endometriosis from spreading. Stopping the medication will cause ovulation, which may make it easier to conceive.
Medical Treatment
In some cases, doctors can perform surgery to remove the tissue. However, even after surgery, endometrial-like tissue has a high chance of returning. If a woman is in excruciating pain, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) may be an option. While there is no guarantee that endometriosis symptoms will go away completely, it may help some women.
Remedies You Can Do At Home
Pain relief from endometriosis can be achieved through home remedies and complementary therapies. Examples include the following:
- Acupuncture
- Treatments with heat and cold applied to the painful areas
- Treatments provided by chiropractors
- Herbal supplements, such as cinnamon and licorice root, can help with weight loss.
- Vitamin supplements, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and thiamine, can help to improve your health (vitamin B-1)
Always consult with your doctor before taking any herbal or vitamin supplements to ensure that the supplements will not interfere with any other medications you are taking.
Conclusion
While endometriosis is a painful condition that can have a negative impact on your quality of life, it is not considered to be a life-threatening illness. Complications of endometriosis, on the other hand, can cause potentially life-threatening problems if they are not treated in time. If you have any concerns about endometriosis or its complications, you should speak with Dr Morris immediately.