Stages of Endometriosis
This condition has four stages:
- Stage 1 (Minimal): Small implants, lesions, or wounds are present in the tissue or organs lining the abdomen or pelvis, with little to no scar tissue.
- Stage 2 (Mild): More implants develop compared to stage 1, penetrating deeper into the tissue and forming scar tissue.
- Stage 3 (Moderate): Deep implants are present, along with small ovarian cysts on one or both ovaries. Thick scar tissues, known as adhesions, also form.
- Stage 4 (Severe): This is the most advanced stage, with widespread deep implants, thicker adhesions, and the formation of large cysts on one or both ovaries.
Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis
The major symptom of endometriosis is severe pelvic pain that’s usually related to menstrual periods. This pain also increases over time:
General signs and symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Cramps and pelvic pain may begin early and continue even after the menstrual cycle, often accompanied by abdominal and lower back pain.
- Pain during intercourse: Discomfort or pain may occur during or after sexual activity.
- Pain during urination or bowel movements: These symptoms typically appear during the menstrual cycle.
- Excessive bleeding: Heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between cycles may occur.
- Infertility: In some cases, endometriosis is diagnosed in women undergoing infertility treatment.
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and bloating, especially during menstrual periods, may also be experienced.
The intensity of pain does not always reflect the severity of the condition. Some individuals with mild endometriosis may experience severe pain, while others with advanced endometriosis may have little to no discomfort.
Causes of Endometriosis
The oldest theory suggests that endometriosis occurs due to retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of exiting through the vagina.
Another theory proposes that hormones trigger the transformation of cells outside the uterus into endometrial-like cells, similar to those lining the uterus.
Some researchers believe that certain abdominal cells originate from embryonic cells and later transform into endometrial tissue. These cells change shape and function like endometrial cells.
Another idea, known as the Mullerian theory, suggests that endometriosis starts in fetal development when misplaced cell tissues react to puberty hormones. Additionally, genetic factors and environmental toxins may also contribute to its development.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
For treating endometriosis surgery is possible. However, it is considered only when other treatment options don’t work or are not effective. Other treatment options are:
- Pain medications: Specialists may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) or other prescription medications to help relieve menstrual pain.
- Hormones: Hormonal therapies such as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, hormonal birth control, Danazol, and Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) may be used for treatment. Additionally, a specialist may recommend an intrauterine device (IUD) for managing the condition.
- Surgery: In the initial stages, surgery may be performed to remove the affected areas of endometriosis. However, in severe cases, a hysterectomy, along with the removal of both ovaries, may be required.
- Fertility treatment: For women facing infertility due to endometriosis, pregnancy may be achieved through in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Risk Factors Associated with Endometriosis
There are several risk factors associated with the development of endometriosis, such as:
Can endometriosis go away on its own?
Endometriosis does not usually go away on its own. It is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes fertility issues. While symptoms may fluctuate, they typically persist or worsen without treatment.
However, in some cases, endometriosis symptoms may improve naturally, especially after menopause, when estrogen levels decrease. Hormonal treatments, medications, or surgery are often needed to manage symptoms effectively. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it's best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Best Endometriosis Treatment Hospital in Delhi
SCI Hospital provides top-quality medical care and advanced facilities for patients with endometriosis. Our team of experienced surgeons and medical specialists is dedicated to delivering effective and high-quality treatment.
We offer comprehensive treatment options, including surgery, fertility treatments, hormonal therapy, and pain management, ensuring the best possible care for our patients.
SCI Healthcare also provides multi-disciplinary healthcare services tailored to women's unique health needs, emphasizing advanced, compassionate, and patient-centered care with a strong focus on safety and well-being.
Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour
MBBS , MS - General Surgery , MCh - Urology
- Pain Management Specialist
- 22+ Years Years Experience
Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology Urologist, Andrologist, Urological Surgeon
- Pain Management Specialist
- 13+ Years Years Experience
FAQs
If endometriosis is not removed, it can cause pain, bloating, excess menstrual bleeding, and digestive disorders. Over time, this condition can also affect a person’s fertility. When the endometriosis tissue grows outside the uterus, it affects other body organs.
Endometriosis affects women during their reproductive years, between the ages of 25 and 35 years.
Endometriosis is a condition associated with high levels of chronic stress. The intensity of stress correlates with pain severity and prolonged disease.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue resembling the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, whereas PCOS is a condition that affects the female’s hormone levels. Females with PCOS will have high levels of male hormones.
Some basics to prevent endometriosis include proper care:
- Consider using hormonal birth control such as pills or patches with lower doses of estrogen
- Reduce the intake of alcohol as it raises estrogen levels
- Exercise four hours a week
- Avoid drinks with caffeine
Consult Now
Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour is the Consultant Urologist and Male Fertility Specialist at SCI International Hospital. After graduating as a doctor from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Gour gained his General Surgery and Urology Specialist qualifications from B J Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He was awarded the Shri Dhirajlal Desai Medal for first in M.Ch (Urology).
