Endometriosis And Fertility: Why One Must Never Ignore Period Pain

Endometriosis is a severe health condition affecting many women of reproductive age around the world. Timely diagnosis and treatment can, however, preserve fertility. Read on to find out what a doctor has to say.

Could intense period pain indicate endometriosis? While monthly menstrual cycles bring about some amount of cramping and discomfort, intense pain must never be ignored. Doctors warn that this pain may indicate a serious health condition called 'endometriosis', which happens when the tissue called 'endometrium' that is commonly found on the walls of the uterus grows outside of the organ and reaches other organs. It can thicken, break, and even cause bleeding, but it will not exit the body, thereby causing inflammation, pain, and leading to the formation of what is known as the 'scar tissue'. Dr Suchithra Reddy, consultant gynecologist and fertility specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Sarjapur, Bangalore, warns that endometriosis can impact women's fertility substantially. Read on to find out more.

Impact Of Endometriosis On Fertility

According to Dr Reddy, endometriosis affects a woman's overall ovarian health due to large cystic formations on the ovaries, thereby impacting the fallopian tubes. It is responsible for the changes in the hormone levels that are required for ovulation and implantation. This health condition can also affect the quality of the eggs released every month. "Women experience slight pelvic pains before and during periods, pain during bowel movements or urination, and during sexual activity. Women may also complain of heavy or irregular periods, intense lower back and abdominal pains, along with fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Endometriosis makes pregnancy extremely difficult."

Why Timely Diagnosis Matters

If they are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, women must consult gynaecologists immediately, to rid themselves of the pain and to preserve fertility. Proper evaluation and treatment are required to maintain and preserve the overall reproductive health. An examination of the pelvic organs, ultrasound, and laparoscopy should be done based on the doctor's recommendation. Even though a concrete cure for endometriosis does not exist, treatments can help improve fertility outcomes, the doctor states.

Maintain Good Lifestyle Habits

The doctor advises women to walk, do yoga, and swim regularly, as they are clinically recommended for endometriosis. A proper diet for women should include fruits, veggies, fish, and garnishing herbs using an acceptable proportion of green tea, dairy products, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Processed foods, processed red meats, butter, and coffee must be avoided.

"Reproductive health should become a priority for women. Awareness about severe period cramps can help in the early detection of endometriosis, which will result in early treatment. Seeking a gynaecologist's help can help protect the overall reproductive health and preserve the quality of eggs produced by the ovaries, leading to positive fertility outcomes," the doctor concludes.