Endometriosis is a kind of disease in women in which the uterine endometrial tissues grows outside the uterus. Due to endometriosis, women feel severe pelvic pain at the time of menstruation. What actually happens in endometriosis is that the endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus starts to behave in the same way as the tissue inside the uterus does. As a result, what happens is that the tissue gets to break up to be expelled. However, the major problem is that the tissues do not remain where they actually should exist. As a result, the tissues get trapped inside the pelvis resulting in huge pain.
Stages of Endometriosis
Medically there are four stages of Endometriosis. They are described as follows:
- Stage I: Stage I is a minimal stage. In this stage, a small patch or lesion or a minor swelling is observed either on the pelvis or around the pelvis.
- Stage II: Stage II is the mild stage. It is a bit more pervasive than what was found in Stage I. However still, the damage of pelvic organs is not very huge. As a result, no major scarring or adhesion is observed at this stage.
- Stage III: This stage is the moderate stage. In this stage, the tissue starts to infiltrate the organs in the pelvic region. Thus, it is a matter of big concern and needs immediate medical treatment.
- Stage IV: Stage IV is undoubtedly the most severe stage. In this stage, the disease actively infiltrates and affects several organs that are present in the ovaries or the pelvic region.
What are the Symptoms of Stage IV Endometriosis?
Stage IV endometriosis is the most severe stage of Endometriosis and as a result, the patient feels the following symptoms:
- Excessive menstrual cramps and pain in the lower back or abdomen
- Excessive pain during intercourse
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Infertility
- Pain during urination at the time of the menstruation
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Painful bowel movement at the time of the menstruation.
What are the Treatment Options for Stage 4 Endometriosis?
If you observe the above symptoms you should immediately consult your doctor. Your doctor may tell you to go for an abdominal ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound. This test will assist the doctor to determine the cysts that are associated with endometriosis. Apart from that, the doctor may ask you to perform a CT scan or MRI Scan or Laparoscopy.
For removing the severe pain, the doctor can prescribe ibuprofen or any kind of the painkiller. However, the best way to treat the Stage IV Endometriosis is taking hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy can help in a great way in relieving the pain and stopping endometriosis from worsening or reducing the pain. Apart from that, this therapy also helps in regulating the monthly changes in hormones. It will also help in promoting the reduction of the growth of the tissue which occurs due to endometriosis. In case of a severe problem, the doctor may advise you to go for surgery.
Conclusion
Stage IV Endometriosis is a chronic disease which actually has no cure. You can only take some effective treatment to remove the pain and fertility issue. So, before you develop Stage IV Endometriosis you should start treatment in the early stage as soon as you observe some kind of symptoms of endometriosis so that it can be prevented from worsening.
Also Read:
- Endometriosis: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
- How Does Mirena Help Treat Endometriosis?
- Can Endometriosis Go Away On It’s Own?
- What Will Happen If Endometriosis Is Not Treated?
- What Not To Eat With Endometriosis?
- What is the Best Way to Treat Endometriosis?
- 12 Home Remedies To Manage Endometriosis Symptoms
