Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which uterine tissue invades other organs, tissues, or structures, and after birth it is limited to the peritoneum and ovaries. These growths can occur on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the outer part of the uterus, and other organs in the lower abdomen. The misplaced tissue is an active tissue that changes its activity and mass due to hormonal fluctuations, resulting in inflammation, pain, and sometimes scar formation.

Which Organs Are Affected in This Disorder?

Endometriosis commonly affects the reproductive organs, but it can also spread to other areas within the pelvic region:

• Ovaries: The endometrial tissue on the ovaries may cause the formation of cysts called endometriomas.
• Fallopian Tubes: Here, endometrial tissue can hinder or simply mess up the fallopian tubes, causing problems with fertility.
• Pelvic Lining: A frequent complaint is adhesion that occurs and can bond the tissue to the pelvic walls and the pelvic floor, which can cause pain in many areas.
• Bladder and Bowel: The endometrial tissue may involve bladder or bowel symptoms similar to those of these organs, e.g., hemorrhagic cystitis or perforation.

In a very limited number of cases, endometriosis may also implant outside the pelvic cavity and go to other areas such as the lungs or the diaphragm.

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What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

• Pelvic Pain: Usually referred to as severe and chronic, the most representative sign of endometriosis is pain in the pelvic area, which is at its worst during the period.
• Menstrual irregularities: menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea, and abnormalities similar to very heavy bleeding during a period, or menorrhagia, are characteristic of endometriosis.
• Pain During Intercourse: Some of the most common symptoms of endometriosis include pain during or after sexual intercourse.
• Painful Bowel Movements or Urination: These symptoms are also seen when a woman is on her menstrual period.
• Infertility: Often endometriosis is diagnosed in women who have infertility issues as it can affect some reproductive organs.
• Fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea: Most of these are normal during the menstrual period, although some women may have them at any time of the month.

What Are the Risk Factors and Likely Complications of Endometriosis?

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, several factors increase the risk of developing this condition:

• Family History: If a close relative is affected by endometriosis, the likelihood of falling sick will be on the high side.
• Menstrual Factors: Specific details that may increase include early beginnings of menses, short cycles, and heavy bleeding that takes more than seven days, which is also a signal.
• Delayed Childbearing: Such women are at greater risk since they have not given birth or have delayed childbearing.

If not well managed, endometriosis causes complications. The fertility problems affect more than 30–50% of women with endometriosis. This is the most common complication tied to endometriosis. Endometriosis may cause the formation of adhesions and endometriosis, which are cysts on the ovary. Chronic pain and other symptom complaints are emerging and associated with depression and anxiety that have a negative effect on the quality of life.

Should I Consult an Endometriosis Specialist in Delhi?

If you are suffering from the above symptoms, you may probably have endometriosis, but it’s advisable to seek an Endometriosis Specialist in Delhi. Here’s why:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Endometriosis has symptoms that resemble those of other diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). An endometriosis specialist in Delhi may rely on imaging and, at times, laparoscopy to correctly identify the condition.
• Treatment Options: Management of endometriosis depends on the extent of the disease and whether or not the patient wishes to conceive in the future. These can start from taking pain-relieving drugs to using hormone therapy and even surgery in worst-case scenarios.
• Fertility Planning: If a woman is concerned about fertility, an endometriosis specialist in Delhi may advise about treatments that can help to maintain or enhance fertility, for example, surgeries that remove endometriosis.
• Preventing Progression: Early diagnosis is important because symptoms can be controlled and complications prevented. A gynecologist may help you devise a program aimed at increasing your quality of life.