How to Perform Self-Assessment for Endometriosis: Watch Out for These Five Symptoms

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, yet many women are still concerned about its specifics. So, what exactly is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological ailment resulting from active endometrial cells migrating outside the uterine lining and thriving in other locations. The interconnectedness of the uterine cavity, fallopian tube, and pelvic cavity allows these endometrial cells to wander beyond their usual boundaries, leading to various symptoms.

However, it's crucial not to underestimate the impact of endometriosis. These 'roaming' endometrial cells can inflict distress on women, causing symptoms like dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and in severe cases, even infertility. Endometriosis lesions can extend their reach to affect pelvic tissues, organs, ovaries, utero-rectal concavities, uterosacral ligaments, and sometimes even intrude into the abdominal cavity, chest cavity, and limbs.

To combat this formidable opponent, understanding how to perform self-examination is vital. So, what should women look out for in self-assessment?

According to experts, the following five symptoms warrant special attention:

1. Dysmenorrhea: Sudden and severe dysmenorrhea, intensifying with the menstrual cycle, should raise concern. Endometriosis often leads to a continuous increase in estrogen levels, causing hyperplasia and swelling of the ectopic endometrium. This, in turn, can result in pain when bleeding occurs due to stimulating local tissues.

2. Increased Menstruation: A sudden surge in menstrual flow may indicate endometriosis. The menstrual cycle, composed of regular endometrial shedding, can experience increased bleeding if there is a rise in endometrial cell count in the body.

3. Pain During Intimacy: When endometrial cells reach the ileorectal fossa and the vaginal rectal septum, the surrounding tissues may swell, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse. Women should pay attention to this symptom as well.

4. Bloating During Bowel Movements: If a woman experiences bloating while defecating, it could be a sign of endometriosis. This bloating sensation may result from ectopic endometrial tissue near the rectum, causing painful stool passages, typically occurring just before and after menstruation.

5. Infertility: The endometrium is crucial for embryo implantation and development. When ectopic endometrial tissue affects the pelvic cavity, it may lead to fallopian tube adhesions, hindering the usual union of sperm and egg and the smooth transport of fertilized eggs to the uterine cavity. Furthermore, ovarian interference can affect ovulation, resulting in infertility.

Therefore, if couples under 35 haven't conceived after a year of trying or over 35 haven't succeeded in six months, they should consider seeking medical advice as infertility and potential endometriosis could be the culprits.

These five symptoms serve as indicators for self-examination. Women with fertility aspirations are encouraged to undergo pre-pregnancy assessments to mitigate any disease-related hindrances.

Treatments include conservative and surgical options for those diagnosed with endometriosis that has affected fertility. Conservative approaches involve hormone treatments, often inducing pseudo-pregnancy or pseudo-menopause, to halt menstruation and alleviate dysmenorrhea. However, these drugs may carry side effects impacting the liver and kidneys, and the condition may persist after discontinuing treatment.

Alternatively, patients can choose a safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine known as the Herbal medicine Fuyan Pill for symptom relief. Its herbal composition effectively targets symptoms and underlying causes, promoting healing.

Surgical treatments come in two forms: radical and conservative. Radical surgery entails the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, which can be particularly harsh on younger, childless women, leading to complications and post-surgery menopausal symptoms.

Conservative surgery involves the timely removal, peeling, and elimination of local lesions. Due to the severity of the adhesions, this procedure may not always be entirely successful, potentially resulting in a high recurrence rate.

In closing, we extend our best wishes for a smooth pregnancy and a joyful life.