Prevention and treatment of endometriosis

In recent years, endometriosis has received more and more attention. Many people may find it strange that endometriosis can be located in other parts of the body. Are you curious about why this "lost" situation occurs? This is the topic we are going to discuss today - endometriosis! Let us unveil this mysterious veil and learn how to prevent and treat this disease.

1. What is endometriosis ?

Endometriosis is a common disease that affects the female reproductive system and is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue in areas other than the uterus. Under normal circumstances, the endometrium is a tissue that only exists inside the uterus. Its main function is to provide an ideal environment for the fertilized egg and to regulate and renew itself during the menstrual cycle. However, when these endometrial tissues grow to areas outside the uterus, such as the pelvic cavity, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the peritoneum, ectopic growths will form, forming endometriosis. These ectopic endometrial tissues are also regulated by hormones during the menstrual cycle, resulting in cyclical proliferation and shedding similar to the endometrium. However, since these tissues are not in the uterine cavity, they cannot be discharged from the body through the vagina, but remain inside the body, causing tissue accumulation and inflammatory reactions.

2. What are the symptoms of endometriosis ?

1. Pain: One of the typical symptoms of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is usually related to the menstrual cycle and the degree may vary from person to person. During menstruation, the pain may intensify and manifest as severe abdominal or pelvic pain, or even back pain. Some patients may also feel pain during ovulation, bowel movements, or sexual intercourse. This persistent pain may seriously affect the patient's quality of life and even cause difficulties in work and daily activities.

2. Menstrual abnormalities: Endometriosis may cause abnormal menstrual cycles. Patients may experience increased or decreased menstrual flow, abnormal bleeding or discharge during menstruation, irregular menstrual cycles, etc. Some patients may even experience amenorrhea or infertility. These menstrual abnormalities may cause many inconveniences to patients' lives and may also be one of the main reasons for patients to seek medical treatment.

3. Abnormal urination and defecation: Some patients may feel pain or discomfort when urinating or defecating. Since the ectopic tissue of endometriosis may invade the organs around the pelvic cavity, such as the bladder and rectum, patients may feel pressure, pain, or difficulty urinating or defecating when urinating or defecating. The occurrence of this symptom is usually related to the severity of endometriosis.

4. Infertility or difficulty in fertility: Endometriosis is one of the common causes of female infertility or difficulty in fertility. Due to the presence of ectopic tissue, it may affect the combination of eggs and sperm, the implantation of fertilized eggs, and the development of embryos, leading to infertility or repeated miscarriage. For women who are planning to get pregnant, the infertility problem caused by endometriosis may bring them a double burden, both psychologically and physically.

5. Other symptoms: Endometriosis may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, defecation pain, etc. These symptoms may not appear in every patient, but their presence may indicate the possibility of endometriosis, so these symptoms should not be underestimated.

3. What are the measures for early prevention?

1. Timely childbirth: Women who have never given birth should give birth at the right time to avoid abnormal development of the reproductive tract.

2. Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation: Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation to prevent backflow of menstrual blood, which may cause the endometrium to implant outside the uterus.

3. Exercise properly: Exercise properly during the non-menstrual period to improve the body's immune function and reduce the chance of disease.

4. Reduce iatrogenic injuries: Try to reduce iatrogenic injuries such as artificial abortion, uterine curettage and other intrauterine operations.

5. Adjust your diet: It is recommended to increase the intake of foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., as well as a moderate intake of high-quality protein and healthy fats. At the same time, reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar, processed foods and other foods that are not good for the body. Maintaining a diverse and balanced diet helps maintain the balance of hormone levels in the body and reduce the risk of endometriosis.

6. Avoid overwork and mental stress: Long-term overwork and mental stress will put the body in a state of stress, affect the normal function of the endocrine system, and increase the risk of endometriosis. Therefore, female friends should learn to properly reduce stress, regulate emotions, and maintain a good mentality and lifestyle.

7. Importance of regular physical examinations and gynecological examinations: Women should receive regular examinations from gynecologists, including routine gynecological examinations, ultrasound examinations, etc. Early detection and treatment of gynecological diseases can effectively reduce the risk of endometriosis and protect women's reproductive health.

4. How to treat endometriosis ?

1. Drug treatment: Drug treatment is one of the first choice methods for treating endometriosis. Commonly used drugs include oral contraceptives, progesterone drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. These drugs can help relieve pain and control menstrual flow, thereby improving the patient's quality of life. In addition, long-term use of oral contraceptives can also reduce the recurrence rate of endometriosis.

2. Surgical treatment: For some patients with severe symptoms or those who are ineffective with drug treatment, surgical treatment may be a necessary choice. Common surgeries include laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy. The main purpose of surgery is to remove ectopic endometrial tissue, repair damaged organs, and minimize the recurrence rate of the lesion. During the operation, the doctor may remove ectopic tissue, cauterize the lesion area, repair organ damage, etc.

3. Other treatments: In addition to medication and surgical treatments, there are some other treatments, such as Chinese medicine acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, etc. These methods can relieve symptoms by regulating the circulation of qi and blood.

**V.** Conclusion

Endometriosis is a common disease that affects women's quality of life, but we don't have to panic or despair. By understanding the root causes of the disease, taking early preventive measures, and choosing appropriate treatments, we can effectively manage this disease and regain a healthy and happy life. I hope that the content described in this article can help more female friends better understand and face endometriosis. Let us work together for women's health!

Author of this article: Liao Ruiping Department of Gynecology, Foxing Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong Province