Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis. Is There A Connection?
You are having bad pelvic pain. But why?
It likely could be endometriosis especially if the pain is worse during your period.
So, what is endometriosis and why does it cause pelvic pain?
A prevalent cause of pelvic pain is endometriosis.
It is brought on by the endometrium, or the cells that line the uterus, growing OUTSIDE of the uterus.
Why did these cells leave the uterus? The most widely accepted explanation is that some uterine lining cells and menstrual blood escape the uterus backward out of the fallopian tubes during menstruation.
The uterus, tubes, ovaries, and large intestine are frequently located on or close to the pelvic area where these cells then implant.
Endometriosis symptoms can present in a variety of ways.
Strangely enough, it is quite possible that those with the most severe cases of endometriosis might be asymptomatic, while those with even the smallest amounts can have excruciating pain.
Pelvic pain is the most typical symptom, particularly during periods.
The pain, however, can occur during or just after a period, before or after sex, or when peeing or pooping.
Some endometriosis sufferers find it difficult to get pregnant.
One important thing to remember is that endometriosis is difficult to diagnose clinically. Keep in mind that our bodies cannot communicate the source of pain to our brains or brains to our bodies.
The discomfort that is frequently associated with endometriosis can therefore also be caused by a wide variety of other illnesses.
How can endometriosis be identified for sure?
A highly specific benign ovarian cyst known as an endometrioma, which is present in some endometriosis patients, pretty much confirms the condition without the need for surgery.
But only a surgical procedure, when your doctor can see the endometriosis, safely remove as much of it, and send it to a pathologist for confirmation, can determine for sure if you have endometriosis.
It is crucial to understand that surgery is not necessarily the initial course of treatment if endometriosis is considered to be your diagnosis.
In fact, before considering the cost and danger of an operation, doctors frequently advise trying medication therapy first to see whether your symptoms improve.
The majority of the time, medication is used to treat probably endometriosis. This is done because surgery, while useful for diagnosis, frequently does not offer long-term symptom relief.
In actuality, the typical post-operative symptom-free recovery time is around six months. Let’s look at several alternatives to surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These popular tablets can help many women with endometriosis discomfort, either alone or in combination with the additional therapies listed below.
The majority of the pain related to menstruation is caused by a substance called prostaglandins, which are blocked by these medications.
Thus, NSAID use can diminish prostaglandin release and consequently minimize pain if it is initiated one to two days prior to your period.
Hormonal Contraception: Because they can be used to lessen or stop periods, birth control pills, patches, rings, shots, and IUDs (intrauterine devices) can be beneficial for the pain.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Defendants or Opponents: These drugs serve to lessen the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries, which lessens discomfort in up to 80% of women.
Some of the most recent drugs are antagonists and benefit from oral administration (as opposed to injections).
These medications frequently cost a lot of money, and obtaining insurance and getting authorization take time.
As was already noted, surgery can be used to diagnose endometriosis and, for some women, provide at least temporary relief.
When endometriosis is suspected to be the source of pain and you are no longer planning on having children, more conclusive surgery, such as a hysterectomy with or without ovarian excision, may be an option.
Need help? Call Dr. Marquette’s office today at 352-622-2229!
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