Endometriosis is a disease in which endometrial tissue, such as the uterine glands and stroma, attaches to tissues other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes, the peritoneum, and ovaries in the pelvis, and is accompanied by symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen and menstrual pain. It can occur in any age group who menstruate, and it is a common disease that occurs in about 10 to 15% of women of childbearing age.
Although the main cause of endometriosis is not clearly known, it is estimated that the cause of the reflux of menstrual blood has a major influence on the occurrence. When menstruation occurs, menstrual blood that should be drained cannot be removed from the abdominal cavity, and endometrial tissue proliferates throughout the ovary or abdominal cavity, resulting in lesions appearing as the most likely cause.
In addition, genetic factors such as family history are also known to have a significant influence on the occurrence. Menarche is also reported to be a major factor influencing the occurrence of endometriosis. Now, let’s learn about the main symptoms of endometriosis, as well as various information about treatment and management.
Main symptoms of endometriosis
The main symptoms of endometriosis are pain during menstruation and pain in the pelvic area. These menstrual cramps usually start before menstruation and often last for several days immediately after menstruation. Symptoms such as pressure in the lower abdomen, dyspareunia, and masses in the ovaries may also occur. And endometriosis can occur not only in the pelvis, but also in the lungs, digestive system, and nervous system, so it can appear in the form of various symptoms such as premenstrual pain due to intestinal adhesions, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination, back pain, and pneumothorax.
Because endometriosis is similar to menstrual cramps, it is often not diagnosed. If treatment is delayed and left untreated, pelvic adhesions, in which different tissues attach to each other in the pelvis, may occur due to worsening of symptoms, which may cause more severe pain. In addition, the more severe the severity, the more likely it is to progress to infertility. According to statistics, it is reported that about 30% to 50% of patients with endometriosis are accompanied by such infertility. Therefore, if menstrual cramps occur suddenly after years of absence, and if the symptoms become severe, the occurrence of endometriosis may be suspected. In particular, if severe menstrual pain occurs in the age group under the age of 20 and it is difficult to control the pain even with painkillers, it is necessary to visit a hospital and receive an accurate examination. Since it cannot be ruled out, it is very important to identify the exact cause and treat it through various tests.
Endometriosis treatment and management
1. Treatment according to various tests and test results
Endometriosis is diagnosed through various tests such as ultrasound, MRI, blood test, and laparoscopic surgery along with a questionnaire based on the duration and pattern of pain. In addition, if endometriosis is confirmed through multiple tests, treatment procedures such as drug treatment and surgical treatment are performed to relieve symptoms and remove the lesion. Drug treatment is performed using various hormone preparations to inhibit the synthesis of estrogen. Also, as endometriosis is known as a disease with a high recurrence rate, it is important to have regular check-ups and management even after treatment.
2. Implement lifestyle habits to help improve symptoms
There is no known way to prevent the occurrence of the disease, and it is said that it helps to improve symptoms and prevent chronicity when continuously managed through regular lifestyle habits and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise after the onset. In addition, the habit of warming the lower abdomen also helps to improve symptoms in that it improves the flow of blood in the uterus, and it is said that it can help prevent other uterine diseases.
3. Consistent intake of foods good for endometriosis
Eating a variety of foods that can help improve symptoms of endometriosis is also an important management habit to prevent chronicity. When eating various foods such as ginger, garlic, apple, cucumber, carrot, olive oil, cabbage, broccoli, and seaweed and blue-green fish including mugwort, it relieves cold symptoms in the lower abdomen and at the same time helps to improve blood flow. It is said to help relieve.
On the other hand, excessive consumption of various processed foods high in fructose and trans fat, refined grains such as wheat flour, and coffee containing caffeine can cause problems such as hormonal imbalance and abdominal cramps. It is recommended to reduce intake during this time.
