The hormones created in the upcoming menstrual cycle stimulate the tissue to grow and shed, no matter if it’s in the uterus or not. The shedding tissue and blood has no way to exit the body when it is not in the uterus, so the tissue can lead to inflammation and irritation. Usually, it is this inflammation that causes the pain that patients experience when they have endometriosis.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include discomfort before and during periods, pain during sex, infertility or issues with getting pregnant, or pain. Other issues may be present like complications with urination or bowel movements around the time of your period. You may even experience bleeding between your periods or an overall feeling of fatigue.
Pregnancy and Endometriosis
Thankfully, pregnancy can improve endometriosis. Essentially, the hormones produced along with pregnancy can cause most of the endometriosis to improve, so you may want to try getting pregnant before you undergo surgery (if that is the desire).
If the endometriosis is so severe that you are having issues becoming pregnant, then a laparoscopy may be recommended. After this surgery, the best chances of conceiving a child are during the first few months right after the procedure takes place. Once you are confirmed pregnant and most of the endometriosis has resolved itself, we can discuss a plant to help prevent endometriosis from returning.
Did you know that breastfeeding can slow the growth of endometriosis? Birth control pills may also slow how quickly it grows. Once you are done breastfeeding, you may want to try being put on birth control pills until you are ready to get pregnant again.
If you want to learn more about endometriosis and how we can help develop an action plan for you, please give us a call at (941) 745-5115 to schedule a consultation.
