Silent endometriosis is a common condition associated with unexplained infertility. Endometriosis is a chronic disease with life-impacting pain and fertility issues. This is a condition that one would want to diagnose and treat early on. Here is more information about silent endometriosis and what women can do about it:
What’s Silent Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common chronic and progressive disease of the female reproductive system. It involves uterine-like tissue growing outside of the uterus itself. It can extend to the pelvic organs, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity. In severe cases, it can grow outside the kidneys, intestines, and rectum.
Unlike healthy endometrial tissue, the abnormal tissue in these areas doesn’t shed during menstruation. The buildup may lead to inflammation, scarring, and painful cysts. It is hard to miss the symptoms of endometriosis, but they are easy to misdiagnose. The common symptoms include menstrual cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding, and painful sexual intercourse. Other symptoms include painful urination, diarrhea, and painful bowel movements.
Despite the symptoms mostly being so obvious, endometriosis can also go unnoticed. That can occur when the signs are atypical and overt. As a result, doctors may not think to check for the condition. Silent endometriosis is commonly discovered when there is unexplained infertility.
Endometriosis and Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility is a leading symptom of silent endometriosis. Up to 40% of women who complain of infertility problems are diagnosed with the condition. It may cause fertility problems in the following ways:
- Alter a woman’s state of immunity: Endometriosis may impair one’s immune system. As a result, inflammatory reactions in the pelvis may occur, damaging one’s ovaries and follicles. It may also make it difficult for an embryo to survive.
- Distort the pelvis anatomy: It can alter a woman’s anatomy of the pelvis. It can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, preventing the transfer of eggs to the uterus.
- Chocolate cysts: Also referred to as endometrioma, these are blood-filled cysts found in the ovaries. It can harm the ovarian reserve and the quality of eggs.
Silent endometriosis isn’t easy to recognize without fertility issues. That might be the case for any patient with unexplained infertility. Endometriosis can cause infertility in lots of ways. It can even paralyze sperms and eggs to prevent fertilization. It can also keep an egg from implanting.
Should I Seek Treatment?
The silent type of endometriosis is not rare. It often goes unnoticed until a couple wants to have a baby but is unable to. It’s commonly diagnosed when investigating other infertility problems. It can also be mistaken for a bladder or intestinal issue.
Look for and track any abnormal symptoms. If someone feels there is something affecting their ability to become pregnant, they should seek proper medical care. Make sure to undergo proper diagnostic procedures for the condition. Unexplained infertility is not a final diagnosis.
Treatment Options
It’s essential to seek clinical intervention if diagnosed with the condition. An ultrasound for endometriosis might not be enough. A doctor may recommend two treatment options:
- Laparoscopic Surgery: This is a procedure where a physician removes abnormal endometrial scar tissue. The surgery is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery time period. It involves using a tiny tube with a light and camera attached at the end. The procedure can increase the chances of pregnancy.
- Hormone Therapy: This is an effective alternative to surgery. Different types of hormone therapies exist. The most recommended are Gonadoprin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists. The goal of the treatment is to limit the production of certain hormones, causing the tissue responsible for the condition to shrink. A doctor may recommend 60 days of Gn-RH treatment once a woman tests positive for endometriosis.
Get Professional Help Today
Millions of women today face the frustrations that come with unexplained infertility. Endometriosis is one of them. It’s painful and can be disabling in some cases but silent and less pronounced for others. Experts suggest paying attention to the physical sensations and symptoms of one’s body, but the lack of common symptoms in silent endometriosis can pose a challenge. It’s wise to work with a medical professional to increase the chances of diagnosing and treating the condition. Look out for the symptoms of silent endometriosis and seek professional help when necessary.
