We know endometrium as the inner layer of the mammalian uterus that sheds off during each menstrual cycle and nurtures the baby when sustained. It is composed of two layers, one functional layer that bleeds off and one basal layer that generates the former after shedding. Basically, it is the surge and dip of the female reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that controls the whole process, but the structure of endometrium is crucial when it comes to reproductive health. So what occurs if endometrium, a particular group of cells connected to the uterus and uterus only, happens to be found in other parts o f the body like the gastrointestinal tract, or in the lungs?

WHO says that about 10% (190 million) of people around the globe in the reproductive age group are diagnosed with endometriosis. Though it may start from a very young age, most women get diagnosed in their thirties or forties. In endometriosis, the endometrium is usually found in the pelvic region, but can rarely be seen on parts of the central nervous system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system. These patches of tissues will bleed and scar over time in accordance with the hormonal levels and have no place to get discarded. Therefore, the debris will remain near the site of incidence and cause various kinds of menaces.

As mentioned before, pelvic organs are more susceptible to endometriosis. The endometrial scars on the fallopian tubes and ovaries can hinder the release and transport of eggs, and therefore, fertilization and implantation. Other than these, findings such as retrograde menstruation (backflow of menstrual blood to fallopian tubes and then pouring out to the abdominal cavity), endometrioma/ chocolate cysts (endometrial cysts in the ovary), the altered composition of peritoneal fluid, genetic mutations, etc can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies. Early menarche, use of hormonal pills, family history, low BMI, low birth weight, etc are found to trigger endometriosis.

The most common diagnostic method is laparoscopy, the introduction of a camera to the abdominal or pelvic region where the physician can search for endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It can be classified as superficial and deep endometriosis based on the degree of infiltration. EFI (Endometriosis Fertility Index) is the gold standard for predicting the fertility rate in people with endometriosis as it incorporates various factors like age, years/duration of infertility, history of pregnancies, and surgical factors. The scale ranges from 0-10, 0 being the least chance of getting pregnant and 10 being the best chance.

Dysmenorrhea- painful periods
Dyspareunia- painful sex
Severe chronic pelvic pain
Ovulatory pain
General body aches of varied intensities- may be on the site of incidence or any other part
Infertility

Conception, according to Ayurveda, results from the coordination of 4 factors- ritu (proper menstruation), kshetra (a fertile uterus and related organs), ambu (nutrition), and beeja (sperm and ovum). If any of these are not right, it can hamper the ability to conceive. Vata is the dosha in charge of reproduction-related processes in the body- Vyana, a type of vata, is considered the guard of menstruation and related activities so the causes like retrograde menstruation can be due to impairment of vyana vata. Apana, another type of vata help evacuate the menstrual blood from the body. A damaged apana can also be a cause of concern in infertility. The chocolate cysts and adhesions that cause blockage can be linked to aggravated kapha dosha. Due to vata and kapha alone, the structure of many pelvic organs can be impaired in endometriosis, making the person unable to conceive.

Endometriosis is not a cause of concern when appropriately cared for. All you need are a detailed examination, an accurate diagnosis, and the right hands to manage the same. Here at Apollo AyurVAID, we approach such conditions with proper Ayurvedic means and help you recover completely. Apollo AyurVAID is a pristine institution that bears the virtue of Ayurveda. Our doctors, skilled and proficient in their field, are here to help you by providing comfort and reassurance. In-depth assessment of the fibroadenoma, precise diagnosis, thorough samprapti vighatana (breaking the disease pathway), properly planned prakriti-oriented treatment, quality procedures, safe and hygienic environment, etc are our peculiarities. We offer you complete care for the conditions that ail you.

We are:-

First NABH-accredited hospital in India
The winner of the esteemed National Award for Best Ayurvedic Centre of the Year 2017 from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Industry’s best customer satisfaction score of 92%, rated by our clients

Medical Case Studies

Ayurvedic Treatment for Secondary Infertility

A 32 years old female (S.G.) attended AyurVAID Hospitals Domlur center during

Secondary Infertility

Presenting Complaints with unable to conceive after earlier 2 pregnancy failures

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I seek treatment for endometriosis ?

Endometriosis tends to progress over time if not diagnosed and treated. The symptoms can aggravate gradually and disrupt the quality of life. Also before it leads to subfertility or infertility, we need to check its progression. Adenomyosis, a condition where the endometrium grows into the myometrial layer, is found in about 80% of untreated endometriosis cases.

Is surgery necessary in endometriosis ?

Surgery is prescribed only if internal medicines fail to work. It can be employed for diagnostic and management purposes. The methods like electro diathermy, laser, and excision, are found to help increase the chances of fertility. Anyway, ovarian surgeries have comparative risk elements and need to be done after thorough consideration.

What lifestyle modifications can be made to cope with endometriosis ?

Endometriosis has no cure, therefore, it is necessary to learn how to live with it. Increasing the dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids (seafood, nuts, plant oils), reducing the use of processed meat and red meat, having your greens and antioxidants, eating fiber-rich food, cutting down alcohol and caffeine, etc can benefit the long-term.