Womens Health

The Impact of Endometriosis

A Heartbreaking Disease

Endometriosis isn't just a painful disease, but it is a heartbreaking disease as well. The main complication associated with the disease is infertility. It's estimated that one third to one half of all women seeking treatment for infertility have the disease known as endometriosis.

In order for conception to occur, an egg must be released from the ovary, travel to the uterus by way of the fallopian tubes, and lay in wait for male sperm so that fertilization can occur. The fertilized egg then attaches itself to the uterine wall: an embryo in its earliest stage of development.

Endometriosis interferes with this process since it can produce adhesions that serve as traps along the egg's path from ovary to fallopian tube. It is believed that endometriosis can interfere with conception in complex ways with each case of the disease manifesting in a different manner.

Don't Wait

Even though mild to moderate endometriosis sufferers may have difficulty in conceiving, somehow, most times, women with the disease do finally manage to conceive and bear children.  It just takes them a little bit longer. Other than the baby, the great benefit of pregnancy for endometriosis sufferers is the cessation of symptoms during the pregnancy.  

Endometriosis tends to get worse with the passing of time and worsening symptoms may make conception more difficult to achieve. That's why your doctor may advise you not to wait to have children.

Sometimes cancerous changes will be found in endometrial tissue, but the rate of cancer in these tissues is no higher than in other tissues. Endometriosis has not been shown to increase the risk of uterine or ovarian cancers.  

It is important to note that endometriosis has an effect on your mental health and depression can be considered another complication of endometriosis. Painful periods mean you may have to miss out on school, work, or social situations. It can be hard to build lasting relationships when pain causes you both physical and emotional distress. This is all the more reason for endometriosis sufferers to seek treatment. If your doctor isn't helpful, get a second opinion. Keep a journal and record your symptoms. A journal may just help your doctor diagnose and treat your symptoms.

There are support groups for women with endometriosis and/or fertility issues and it can be a relief to talk to other women in the same boat. Hearing the experiences of others may help you find your way back to good health.


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