The endometrial lining begins to develop outside the uterus, within the ovaries, on the outer surface of the uterus, and on the pelvic walls and is seldom found beyond the pelvis in endometriosis. Keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms of infertility.
Endometriosis is a disorder that is frequently accompanied by painful menstrual cycles. The endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus, begins to form at the start of the menstrual cycle and sheds during the following period if pregnancy has not happened, and the endometrial’s proper location is inside the uterus.
Endometriosis, on the other hand, causes the same lining to grow outside the uterus, such as surrounding the tubes and ovaries, inside the ovaries, on the outside surface of the uterus, on the pelvic walls, and in other places.
It is seldom detected outside the pelvis, and when it develops in these locations outside the uterus, it causes an inflammatory response. Because of this reaction, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, resulting in scar tissue and adhesions that cause pelvic organs to cling together (adhesion formation) and fail to function properly.
“The endometrium bleeds or sheds after a menstrual cycle,” said Dr Sulbha Arora, Clinical Director at Nova IVF Fertility in Mumbai. Nature has provided a path for the endometrium to flow out in the shape of the vagina; however, there is no equivalent passage accessible in these other locations, thus the blood shed here tends to concentrate. When this happens inside the ovaries, it gathers and creates a cyst. With the passage of time, the colour of blood in these ovarian cysts changes and turns from red to chocolate brown consequently, endometriotic cysts in the ovaries are also commonly termed ‘chocolate cysts’. Endometriosis is frequently associated with severe period pain and infertility as a result of these adhesions and cysts. Fortunately, there are effective therapies.”
When discussing the symptoms of Endometriosis and its relationship to infertility, she advised keeping an eye out for the following signs:
- Period pain (dysmenorrhea): Pelvic discomfort and cramps are typical before and during menstruation. You can also have lower back and stomach ache.
- Painful sexual intercourse: Because of this disorder, pain during or after sex is prevalent.
- Pain during bowel motions or urination: This is common throughout menstrual periods.
- Are you aware of infertility? Endometriosis is frequently discovered only after a couple undergoes infertility testing, as there may be no other symptoms. During menstruation, other warning signs include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and nausea.
According to the fertility doctor, the level of discomfort does not necessarily correspond to the severity of the problem. “Women with moderate endometriosis may experience considerable pain, whereas others with more advanced illness may have no symptoms at all,” said Dr. Sulbha Arora. Endometriosis can often be confused with other illnesses such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts. It can sometimes be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal cramps. If you have any of the endometriosis symptoms and are having difficulty conceiving, please visit a fertility professional who can advise you on the best reproductive treatment choices.”