We've always thought of menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea as "normal." Yet, there are women who don't experience it, which only means the cramps may be a sign that there's something wrong. And in nearly 60 percent of women with dysmenorrhea, the problem is endometriosis.
That's according to Dr. Maynila Domingo, an obstetrician-gynecologist at ManilaMed in Ermita, Manila. Endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, causes severe pain (yes, those debilitating cramps), damage to reproductive organs, and increases the risk of infertility and cancer.
The endometrial tissue is how a woman's body prepares itself for a baby. It grows and sheds inside the uterus every month in anticipation of a fetus. But, if the released egg is not fertilized, then the endometrium starts shedding the blood and the extra tissue is prepared. That shedding process is what produces the menstrual blood.
In some women, however, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and attaches itself to the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the pelvic lining. Since these cannot be expelled from the body, it causes inflammation and irritation to the surrounding organs.
What are the other symptoms of endometriosis?
- dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- pain during or after sex
- difficulty becoming pregnant
To this day, doctors don't know what causes endometriosis. Dr. Domingo says, “In general, there appears to be a greater risk of endometriosis when a woman has early menarche (starts menstruation before 11 years old). Other risk factors include shorter monthly cycles (less than 27 days) and heavy menstrual flows lasting more than seven days. The risk is also related to changes in a woman's estrogen level and a family history of endometriosis, among others.”
The risk of infertility and cancer
Thirty percent of women who consult for infertility will have endometriosis, says Dr. Domingo. It’s still unknown how the condition causes infertility. It is possible the condition alters or damages the reproductive organs, she adds.
Another serious complication of endometriosis is cancer. “There are some studies showing a link between endometriosis and certain cancers, especially ovarian cancer. However, the association is not definitive; it does not mean that if you have endometriosis, you will eventually get cancer.”
“Early treatment of endometriosis is recommended to prevent or reduce the risk of both infertility and cancer,” adds Dr. Domingo.
Treatment
Treatment involves medication and, in more severe cases, surgery. There is no cure, but the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms (including pain during menstruation and intercourse), to prevent progression, and reduce recurrence.
“If you have endometriosis and are trying to become pregnant, surgery to remove as much endometriosis as possible while preserving your uterus and ovaries may increase your chances of success,” according to Mayo Clinic. “If you have severe pain from endometriosis, you may also benefit from surgery — however, endometriosis and pain may return.”
If you suspect that you have the condition, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. “A general lack of awareness by both women and health care providers, due to a ‘normalization’ of symptoms, results in a significant delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis and management,” Dr. Domingo states. Remember, the earlier you find out, the better.
This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Femalenetwork.com editors.
