Endometriosis is a long-term idiopathic condition that develops when tissue resembling a womb’s lining starts to grow in other areas, such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries. It isn’t known what causes endometriosis or how to prevent it. As a result, many women are forced to endure various symptoms, such as back and lower abdominal pain (pelvic pain), debilitating period pain, and pain during or following sex.
If you have recently received an endometriosis diagnosis, you are likely eager to learn how it might affect your health, happiness, and quality of life. Learn about the main complications of endometriosis and the solutions available below.
Potential Fertility Issues
An endometriosis diagnosis can be overwhelming for many women and couples. As the condition can damage a woman’s ovaries and fallopian tubes, they may have a higher risk of fertility issues. Before you worry about the future, it is essential to note that not every woman will struggle to get pregnant with endometriosis, and many can become pregnant without treatment.
If conceiving a child becomes an issue, you can embark on infertility treatments to increase your chances of welcoming a child into the world. You can visit one of many fertility clinics for help conceiving a child through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Ovarian Cysts
If endometriosis affects the ovaries, you will have a greater risk of endometriomas, which are ovarian cysts that contain blood and tissue. Unfortunately, the cysts can become large and painful, and there is a chance they could rupture, which may damage the pelvic anatomy and affect a woman’s fertility. Surgery may be offered to remove ovarian cysts, but they could return in the future.
Adhesions
Adhesions are another possible complication of endometriosis. They are caused by sticky endometriosis tissue that joins organs together. It can be an unwanted symptom of endometriosis, but it may be caused by an infection or following surgery.
As a result, it may cause chronic pelvic pain that could affect a woman’s quality of life. If you have endometriosis adhesions, a doctor may recommend surgery to resolve the problem, but there is no guarantee it will not return. Surgery might be required to prevent additional issues, as adhesion formation can lead to a partial or complete bowel obstruction.
Chronic Pain
One in ten women across the world is living with endometriosis, which can cause life-altering chronic pain during intercourse, periods, and bowel movements. Some women may continue to experience pain even after tissue or cysts are removed.
Also, women living with endometriosis may experience the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Depression
- Anxiety
There is currently no known cure for endometriosis, but a doctor will work with you to provide the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. For instance, they might prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications (such as paracetamol and ibuprofen) or the combined oral contraceptive pill.
Alternatively, they may recommend hormone treatment or surgery, such as a laparoscopy or hysterectomy. Yet, you must discuss the potential risks of surgery with a surgeon to make an informed decision.
And with that, we hope you’re leaving us a little more well-informed about the main complications of endometriosis.