Endometriosis – Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Women deal with a lot of issues and disorders related to the uterus. Among these, endometriosis is one that leads to acute pain, dysfunction, fatigue, and more. Described as the abnormal growth of the endometrial cells in the uterus, the symptoms of the disorder can be devastating if left untreated, Depending on the stage of the disorder, one can get treated at the earliest if diagnosed right.
There are numerous cases wherein the disorder can be misdiagnosed as appendicitis, IBS, cysts, etc., making it vital to get a second opinion or go to a trusted specialist. Here is everything you need to know about endometriosis:
Stages of Endometriosis
Endometriosis has been classified into 4 stages based on their severity. While stage 1 and stage 2 are minimal and mild respectively, stage 3 and stage 4 range from moderate to severe. Needless to say, the faster you are diagnosed and treated, the quicker you can be treated.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
A number of symptoms are associated with endometriosis which often also lead to a misdiagnosis. Here are some of them:
- Acutely painful cramps during menstruation
- Chronic pain in the pelvis
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Pain after intercourse
- Bowel dysfunction (bloating, diarrhea, cramps, gas)
- Pain in the abdomen
- Dysfunctional bladder (painful urination)
- Fatigue
- Stress, depression, apathy
- Pain, weakness or numbness in the nerves
Diagnosis
Apart from the conclusion that your specialist comes to when you have mentioned your symptoms to him or her, certain imaging tests are conducted to get a proper diagnosis of whether the patient is, indeed, suffering from endometriosis. A laparoscopic excision surgery followed by a biopsy, however, is the only sure way to find out whether the diagnosis is right.
Treatment
While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are numerous ways in which to counter the pain accompanied by the disease and the infertility issues that arise. Acupuncture, painkillers, the right diet, birth control are some of the commonly used non-surgical procedures as part of the treatment. However, one can also opt for surgical procedures if deemed necessary by your specialist.
A number of specialized clinics offer endometriosis treatment in Melbourne with effective results. Changing your lifestyle based on what your specialist suggests can also help you in the long run.
