Endometriosis Symptoms And Pregnancy
Endometriosis is a painful condition.
Endometriosis symptoms and pregnancy. Unlike primary dysmenorrhea secondary dysmenorrhea is period pain that is the result of another underlying condition. Pregnancy is an important life choice that deserves careful consideration before it is undertaken. It is thought that the hormones produced during pregnancy may have a positive effect on the symptoms of endometriosis. Fortunately treatments are available.
It is thought that it affects around 1 in 8 women during their reproductive years. Is pregnancy a treatment for endometriosis. Endometriosis symptoms during pregnancy can range from mild to severe. During normal menstruation the endometrial lining of the uterus builds up and is shed each month.
However pregnancy associated relief is often temporary and symptoms return after delivery. For most patients suffering from endometriosis pregnancy is a time of relief from symptoms especially after the first weeks of pregnancy are over. After pregnancy breastfeeding inhibits the release of estrogen by the ovaries which hinders both ovulation and the growth of endometrial lesions. Endometriosis is a relatively common condition in women but it is still not fully understood.
It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. The symptoms of endometriosis may vary from person to person however some of the most common symptoms are listed below. Endometriosis also carries risks for the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Pain and other symptoms of endometriosis are usually milder while women breastfeed their babies.
This may be caused by the inflammation structural damage to the uterus and hormonal influences endometriosis causes. Period pain that occurs regularly and is not associated with another underlying condition is called primary dysmenorrhea. A gp will ask about your symptoms and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina. Signs and symptoms of endometriosis may temporarily improve with pregnancy and may go away completely with menopause unless you re taking estrogen.
The lining of your uterus is known as the endometrium. Endometriosis uk has a pain and symptoms diary pdf 238kb you can use. Even if pregnancy does provide relief the symptoms of endometriosis are likely to return once a woman s periods start again after pregnancy although breast feeding can delay this further.