Stay alert ! Severe pain during menstruation causes infertility
Nowadays, more and more women of reproductive age are experiencing severe pain during menstruation, an early sign of endometriosis. The problem is, severe enough endometriosis can interfere with the fertility of women who suffer from it, making it difficult to get children (infertility). Endometriosis interferes with the reproductive system by closing the ovaries, stiffening the fallopian tubes when they catch sperm, and triggering antibodies to attack sperm.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that should line the uterine wall (endometrium) grows and builds up outside the uterus. Under normal circumstances, the uterine lining tissue will thicken when you are about to have a fertile period. This happens in preparation so that the prospective fetus can attach to the uterus if fertilization occurs. If there is no fertilization, the thickened endometrium will shed and leave the body in the form of blood. Well, that's when you have your period.
Some Possible Causes of Endometriosis
1. Retrograde Menstruation
Two-way (trograde) menstruation occurs when endometrial cells and tissue that should be wasted into the vagina also flow towards the cervix (cervix) and fallopian tubes. After that, attached to the walls of the pelvis and the surface of the pelvic organs, grows, continues to thicken and bleed throughout the menstrual cycle. In many cases, retrograde menstruation is the most common cause of endometriosis.
2. Embryo Cell Changes
Embryonic cells produce cells that line the abdomen and pelvic cavity. If one or more small areas of the stomach lining turn into endometrial tissue, this could be the cause of endometriosis. This condition is generally influenced by the hormone estrogen that is not balanced.
3. Immune System Disorders
The immune system has a problem that makes it unable to recognize and destroy endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus.
4. Surgical Scars
If you've had surgery, such as a hysterectomy or cesarean section, the implants that form after surgery can make cells stick together, which can lead to endometriosis.
5. Circulation of Endometrial Cells By Blood Vessels
The endometrium can be carried by blood vessels or tissue fluids to other parts of the body, so it can be a cause of endometriosis.
Symptoms of Endometriosis Most women with endometriosis do not show any symptoms. However, when it does occur, symptoms of endometriosis can include:
- Worse pelvic pain during menstruation
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding outside the menstrual cycle
- Excessive blood volume during menstruation
- When defecating or urinating
- Infertility
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach bloating
Endometriosis Treatment
There is no specific drug that can treat endometriosis. However, symptoms can often be managed with painkillers or hormone medications, which help keep daily activities from being disrupted. Surgery to remove endometrial tissue is sometimes needed to improve any symptoms, including impaired fertility. Common surgeries performed are:
- Laparoscopy: This procedure is performed to remove endometrial tissue or burn the tissue using a laser or electric current. This procedure is usually done for patients who still want to have children.
- Hysterectomy: This procedure is a surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, and both ovaries. After this procedure, the patient can no longer get pregnant and has a higher risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease.
- Laparotomy: This procedure is performed to access the affected organ and remove the endometrial tissue.
For Hermina's friends, if you experience symptoms like the ones above, don't panic. Friends can consult and entrust the obstetrician specialist at Hermina Samarinda Hospital. Healthy greetings